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.S38 



^LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.' 
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DNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



I 



ILLUSl'KA'I'ED 

MEDICAL LN-DOOR GYMNASTICS 



OR A SYSTEM OF 



MEDICO-HYGIEMIC EXERCISES 



REQUIRING NO MECHANICAL OR OTHER AID, AND ADAPTED TO 
BOTH SEXES AND ALL AGES, AND FOR SPECIAL CASES. 



BY 



. MORITZ SCHREBER, M. D. 

DIRECTOR OF THE LEIPZIG ORTHOPEDIC AND MEDICO-GYMNASTIC INSTITUTE. 



TRANSLATED FROM THE THIRD GERMAN EDITION 

BY 

HENRY SKELTON. 



WITH FORTY-FIVE WOODCUTS. 



London and Edinburgh, 




Williams & N o r g a t e ; 
Leipzig, E. Hartmann. 

1856. 



Printed by C. E. Elbert, Leipzig. 



Preface. 



It often happens in life that we overlook or under- 
rate that which is simple, natural, and within our reach, 
and believe that our happiness is only to be found in that 
which is complicated^ artificial, or distant. So do we act 
with regard to our health. Providence has implanted in 
us the germs of innumerable faculties and capabilities. 
Their natural development (which we ourselves must of 
course actively promote), and the use we make of them, 
form the groundwork of the aim of our whole life^ and 
the principal condition upon the fulfilment of which de- 
pends the easiest possible attainment of that aim — the 
non-fulfilment of which causing the non-attainment and 
disarrangement of the same. 

In this manner, our physical motive powers, which 
require but the exercise of our will, not only afford us, 
by their rational development and use, the means of 

f 



protection from a thousand inconveniences, but also of 
essentially contributing to the removal of inconveniences 
already existing. 

In order to profit by the salutary working of these 
means, which are at every body's disposition, it is only 
requisite to explain the Hoivf and the Where f This ex- 
planation must be given by a medical man, and is the 
subject of the present work. May it be of service, and 
thus fulfil the earnest wish of 



The Author. 



I. Introduction. 



Man is, so to speak, a double being, consisting of 
a wonderful, intimate union of a mental with a bodily 
natm'e. He is destined to activity in both ways — to the 
full use of his mental and bodily powers: his whole being 
is so arranged. The sluggish of mind or idle of body 
long in vain for the full enjoyment of mental or bodily 
pleasures. The sweets of life are only the reward of ac- 
tivity. A want of this quality causes a bluntness of the 
organs, an interruption of the functions, disease, and pre- 
mature death. As all our powers are increased and kept 
up to a certain point by a rational use of them, so do 
they become weakened and completely lost by w^ant of 
exercise. 

These are truths which every body acknowledges but 
which are nevertheless too often sinned against. Many 
concentrate their whole force one-sidedly on mental oc- 
cupations, and thus forget the claims of their bodily half 
— a fault which is, in a manner, a consequence — al- 
though by no means a necessary one — of the progress 
of civilisation and the refinements of social life. Some 



protection from a thousand inconveniences, but also of 
essentially contributing to the removal of inconveniences 
already existing. 

In order to profit by the salutary working of these 
means, which are at every body's disposition, it is only 
requisite to explain the Hoivf and the Whe7^ef This ex- 
planation must be given by a medical man, and is the 
subject of the present work. May it be of service, and 
thus fulfil the earnest wish of 



The Author. 



I. Introduction. 



Man is, so to speak, a double being, consisting of 
a wonderful, intimate union of a mental with a bodily 
nature. He is destined to activity in both ways — to the 
full use of his mental and bodily powers : his whole being 
is so arranged. The sluggish of mind or idle of body 
long in vain for the full enjoyment of mental or bodily 
pleasures. The sweets of life are only the reward of ac- 
tivity. A want of this quality causes a bluntness of the 
organs, an interruption of the functions, disease, and pre- 
mature death. As all our powers are increased and kept 
up to a certain point by a rational use of them, so do 
they become weakened and completely lost by want of 
exercise. 

These are truths which every body acknowledges but 
which are nevertheless too often sinned against. Many 
concentrate their whole force one-sidedly on mental oc- 
cupations, and thus forget the claims of their bodily half 
— a fault which is, in a manner, a consequence — al- 
though by no means a necessary one — of the progress 
of civilisation and the refinements of social life. Some 



wish only the enjoyment, without obtaining it first by 
the exercise of their powers. But we cannot force our 
nature; and those who act in opposition to it are infalhbly 
punished , and often severely. And especially is our 
bodily nature a stern vindicator of the laws of its or- 
ganisation. 

And so it happens that of itself alone the neglect of 
the development of the physical powers and of that form- 
ation and renewal of bodily matter — a necessary con- 
dition to the right performance of the functions of life, 
and only to be bi'ought about by the exercise of our facul- 
ties in every possible way — have caused and still cause 
so much disease in the world. Well acquainted with this, 
medical men in all ages have represented rational bodily 
exercise as an indispensable condition for the preservation 
of health and recovery from a state of sickness. To those 
whose occupations kept the body in a state of compara- 
j^ve inactivity they recommended first this movement and 
then that — walking, pedestrian excursions, riding, fencing, 
boxing etc., working in the garden, or other strength- 
ening exercises. And for those who have the opportunity 
these different motions are to be recommended, although 
firstly too partial and then — what is of the most con- 
sequence — nearly all only practicable for the few, and 
for a certain time only — not for a continuation, and there- 
fore not to be considered as a balance or means of com- 
pensation. They were therefore obliged to limit them- 
selves to simple, methodical walking, as the only motion 
capable of being practised at all times and as a continual 
exercise. They were well aware that this motion — if 
the wants of the body alone were to be satisfied, was, at 
least for the whole period when man is still in his vigour 



7 • 



— much too partial and iiisiifficieiit"). And as, moreover, 
in consequence of the higher destination of man, tending 
to a progressive state of civihsation, the claims on men- 
tal capabilities and activity increased, and required more 
time and attention, and greater exertions — so not only 
the desire but also the time was wanting, in most cases, 
to include in their daily programme an otherwise aimless 
walk of one or more hours' duration. The disproportion 
between the claims of mental employment and of profes- 
sional duties on the one hand, and the requirements of 
the body on the other, become, in the case of a great 
part of mankind , more and more prominent and impor- 
tant in their results every day. 

An artificial means was then sought for to balance 
this disproportion, and in fact, by the conditions of our 
wdiole social life, we absolutely require such a one. And 
so arose the modern system of gymnastics. But it is 
our intention to treat here of gymnastics only in as far 
as they present a welcome means of carrying out medi- 
cal ends — as a remedy, curative gymnastics ; as pre- 
vention, hygienic or sanitary gymnastics — for certain 
cases of disease or infirmity. Both the above definitions 
are comprehended in the term medical gymnastics. 

In the natural order of things, curative gymnastics 



*) In order to form a right idea of the insufficiency of the walk- 
ing exercise taken for health's sake by an otherwise comparatively in- 
active person, contrast it with the amount of daily motion which men 
not over strong easily perform in, for instance, mountain travels, in what 
are but moderate daily tours of ten or fifteen miles ascending and des- 
cending, and that for weeks together — or with the ordinary performance 
of a gardener in a large garden; an amount of motion at the same 
time sufficient and good in every respect for the health, and, as proved 
by the result, in no way immoderate. Ah, what a difference! 



8 



were at first used as a remedy for all those chronic dis- 
eases (without fever) whose existence could be traced to 
a want of sufficient bodily exercise. But it was soon ac- 
knowledged that their domain extended still further, over 
many other complaints not exactly a direct consequence 
of this want. But one must not go so far as some en- 
thusiastic adorers of curative gymnastics , who set them 
up as a universal remedy, and reject as useless nearly 
every thing besides. There is no universal remedy or 
universal curative method, nor can there ever be, with the 
very complicated constitution of the human organisation 
and the relations of life, and with the consequent infinite 
variety of complaints of man. And yet on the other 
hand, when curative gymnastics are comprehended, and 
used within their true bounds, free from partiality, and in 
intimate connexion with the universal medical art, every 
unprejudiced person must feel himself compelled to ac- 
knowledge them as often a really indispensable remedy 
— as an important and valuable addition to it. 

In order to give a true basis to the judgment of the 
nature of curative gymnastics in general — in order to 
be able rightly to estimate physical motion as a curative, 
we must represent to ourselves, at least in its most 
general points, the physiological importance of the or- 
gans of motion — of the muscular system — and the 
part it is intended to play in the economy of the whole 
system. 

The arrangement of our system is caculated for fall 
activity of all its parts and organs. If, then, man is to 
develop his powers in conformity with the intention of 
their creation, and keep himself in his normal (healthy) 
state, a proportionate amount of activity on the part of 



9 



his mental faculties and bodily powers is requisite. But 
the full exercise of our physical powers — motion bring- 
ing the muscles into play — is, however, much more in- 
dispensable to our existence than mental exercise, as will 
be better seen by what follows. 

The whole organisation of our being depends upon 
the uninterrupted renewing of the material of which our 
body is composed — on the getting rid of that which, 
having served its purpose, is now of no more use, and 
the assimilation of fresh organic stuff, or matter, which 
the body receives from the nourishment we take, and the 
air we breathe. The more therefore this renewal of stuff 
— this transforming process — is brought into action — 
within certain bounds — the more does the body gain in 
freshness, force, and durability. We see then that a con- 
tinual renewal and revivifying of its parts is necessary. 
All interruption of this process, if not soon remedied 
causes sickness, disease, and death. Thus is happens that 
an insufficient assimilation of matter, and an insufficient 
throwing off of used-up and therefore useless matter (the 
remaining of the same in the body) — in short the want 
of balance between the amount of matter taken into 
the body and the amount of it which is consumed, is 
one of the most general causes of irregularity in the 
development and working of the mechanism of our 
nature. 

But the causes Avhich lead to a renewal of matter 
are a consequence of the activity of the physical organs 
in general, as long as it is in just proportion to the inter- 
vals of repose. Now the muscular system is by far the 
most voluminous of all the systems of the body, and the 
muscle (flesh) substance belongs to those organic tissues 



10 



which, by their activity (conformable to their end and 
aim — the movement of the body by means of a con- 
traction of the muscular fibres) most readily allow of a 
transformation of their substance (renewal of matter). It 
is clear, that, from this two-fold reason, the muscular 
system, by its great activity, mmst be the best able to 
promote the transformation of matter in the quickest, 
most powerful, and completest manner, and consequently 
to give a natural, healthy impulse to the functions in a 
regeneration and revivifying of the blood and the juices 
of the body. For, as the blood is the common nourisher 
of all the parts of the body, so, by the reaction of 
muscular activity must the affluence of the blood (the flow 
of the blood to these parts), its whole circulation (this 
already by the action produced on the circulating juices by 
the contraction of the muscles), the formation and mixing 
of the blood, and thus also the digestion, respiration, 
the excretive process — in short, the whole organic me- 
chanism — be set in motion. Hence comes it that, for 
the time, the heart beats more quickly, the breathing 
becomes faster — that a genial warmth is developed — ■ 
and by continuous muscular exercise, the demand for 
nourishment is greater, there is an increase in the amount 
of matter thrown off from the body in the shape of per- 
spiration and urine, and the sleep is more profound and 
refreshing. It has been shown by physiological obser- 
vation and experiments, that a man in continual muscular 
activity completedy changes the whole mass of his body 
in the space of about from four to five weeks; while a 
physically inactive person, under the same circumstances 
in other respects, requires a space of from ten to twelve 
weeks. By active motion the muscular substance itself be- 



— 11 — 



comes fuller, firmer, and more flexible; and the useless 
accumulation of fat and flabby cellular tissues no longer 
takes place. 

If then it is shown that muscular motion is the most 
natural agent by which the no longer useful parts of the 
blood — which without this motion would accumulate in 
the body, causing disease — may be got rid of more readily, 
and exchanged for new invigorating substance — in the 
same manner it follows as a matter of course, that ac- 
cumulations of this kind can be prevented by the same 
means which is employed as a remedy. It must not be 
forgotten, howe\er, that for a perfect attainment of such 
curative ends, a conformable regulation of the whole 
manner of life is especially necessary , and at times also 
medical advice and assistance; and yet a rational exercise 
of the muscular powers will always be one of the most 
essential and natural of all curative agencies. And here 
may be mentioned, as caused by these accumulations, the 
chronic pains in the abdomen so general in persons of 
maturer years; with the legion of different evils arising 
from this complaint, a weak indigestion, constipation, ob- 
struction of the liver and milt (of the port-vein system); 
thence violent head-aches, so called hypochondria, me- 
lancholy etc. (from physical not mental causes); and also the 
diseases incident to youth, proceeding from an insufficient 
or faulty formation of the blood, such as a poorness of 
the blood (chlorosis), scrofula, etc. Besides that, the 
gymnastic treatment of this kind of diseases is aided by 
a direct mechanico-curative influence which is in connexion 
with the special gymnastics of the abdominal muscles, and 
of which we shall speak again by-and-by. There is also 
another mechanical action in connexion with the above, 



12 



which this universal movement of the Umbs exercises in 
stimulating to full activity the functions of the skin — 
a so necessary condition to health — and not to be 
lightly estimated. It is this — the soft salutary friction 
of the skin by the clothes (even although they be quite 
loose) caused by such movements of the body. 

Another physiological condition, by which muscular 
motion is enabled to operate in a very salutary manner, 
is the intimate relation and reciprocity of action which - 
exist between the muscular system and the nervous system 

— i. e. the muscle nerves (nerves of motion) to the nerves 
of feeling. A good state of the body and the healthy 
tone of the spirits is clearly dependent in the first place 
upon the whole normal state of the nervous system. 
It seems particularly to depend upon a nice balance of 
these two parts of the nervous system, with respect to 
their state of excitement and activity. It is only at the 
expense of the one part that the other can raise itself 
above the balance point; but only by means of the same 
can the balance be re-established. Upon this condition 
depends the strength-exciting influence of rational muscu- 
lar exercise, which, by promoting the carrying-off and 
discharging process, is so welcome in cases of over-excite- 
ment of the nerves, and which has also such a bene- 
ficially cheering effect upon the spirits. So it is that it be- 
comes in the hands of medical men a sovereign remedy 

— or at least an indispensable aid for the curing of mus- 
cular debility, excitable weakness or bluntness of the 
nervous system, nervous hypochondria and hysteria, of 
sickly weakening pollution, mental diseases, certain spas- 
modic complaints, viz., St. Vitus's dance, epilepsy &c. &c. 
And it should not be regarded as an unimportant ad- 



13 



vantage mentally, tliat the result of the regular exercise 
of the will in the making of active bodily manifestations ~ 
(so to speak) — of perseveringly overcoming bodily laxity 
and luxurious ease — is, as a psychological necessity, a 
strengthening of the power of the will and of action in 
general, promotes steadiness and decision of character, 
and gives us greater courage for the trials and struggles 
of this life; and that, therefore, that dangerous spiritual 
(immaterial) enemy within us is conquered, which in so 
many cases of chronic diseases defies the best chosen 
bodily remedies. 

And, finally, the influence exercised by muscular mo- 
tion in strengthening the bones and ligaments, and on the 
proportion of the different parts of the body, is also of great 
service to the medical art, and can be brought about by 
no other agency. The structure of the skeleton, and the 
position of the muscles of the human body, especially of 
the trunk, are such that the degree of flexibihty and 
tension of the muscular parts has much to do with 
the carriage, form and contour in general; and this is 
more especially true of the uppermost part of the trunk 
— the chest. A long fist of complaints take their rise 
from a faulty room-accommodation for the organs — all- 
important for life and health — situated in the chest and 
abdomen. This is easy to be explained, seeing that, in 
the case of a numerous class of men, the very strongest 
arm -moving muscles, which are situated round the chest, 
are scarcely ever set in full motion. (Of this we shall 
speak again.) If now there be an opportunity afforded 
to these organs, so crowded^ pushed out of place, or 
otherwise mechanically injured, of returning to their nor- 
mal free state and organisation — or, if this be no longer 



14 



possible , a partial aiiielioration in their circiiinstances 
takes place, the improvement in that state as regards 
room is naturally the first and most essential condition. 
To this end a particular, nicely calculated course of gym- 
nastics alone affords the necessary means. We seek here 
by means of muscular motion - — by the so-produced me- 
chanical extension or compression — to act, now on 
particular parts, then on the contour of the whole trunk 
(especially of the breast), dilating or equalising — giving 
the skeleton first more room, and then strengthening it 
in its newly conquered position. For those who might 
yet doubt the possibility of a change being effected by 
these means in the size (roominess) of the osseous frame- 
work of the chest, we will mention that by measm^e- 
ments taken, even of adidts, and often after having been 
subjected only a few mouth to the influence of a system 
of gymnastics, we have found an increase of from one 
and a half to two inches in the circumference of the chest, 
after having deducted the increase of muscular sub- 
stance. The great gain thereout resulting in the cubic 
measurement of the interior of the breast, may be easily 
calculated. 

But also the necessity for a more general introduction 
of hygienic (health-preservhig) gymnastics , that is to say, 
such as have for their aim, not the curing of com- 
plaints already existing, but the prevention of the same 
— will be seen at once, if we examine the general bodily 
life of those persons who may be said to have little or 
no active physical motion, and to which denomination 
belong nearly all the members of the higher classes. 
Namely , of we compare it with that which may be con- 
sidered as a really healthy average amount of bodily 



15 



exercise*), we see iuimecliately that not only the amount 
and intensity of their general motion are far below 
the normal standard, but also that the motion itself is 
in the highest degree partial and unsatisfactory. In cases 
where walking is almost the only bodily motion of any 
consideration , there are three sets of muscles , all of 
great importance for the whole process of life, which are 
neglected in their development, and exposed to the danger 
of becoming useless: — 1) The muscles of the shoulders 
and chest, proceeding from inactivity of the arms; 2. The 
muscles of the abdomen; 3. The muscles of the back: the 
two last proceeding from a want of a sufficient motion 
of the trunk. 

1. The muscles of the shoulders and chest serv€ at the 
same time for the movement of the arms and for the regular 
distension and contraction of the coats of the chest — in other 
words the process of respiration. But upon the circum- 
stances under w^hich this operation is performed, depends 
the circulation of the blood in the lungs, and consequently 
the uninterrupted regeneration of the blood (exchange of 
matter between the blood and the air), necessary to the 
support of life. Man cannot exist one minute without 
breathing. The energy of the whole life is therefore in 
exact proportion to the strength of the respiratory organs. 
For want of movement in general, but particularly of the 
arm muscles, the bi'eathing is weak and imperfect. The 
elastic framework of the chest either does not even attain 
its full development and extension, or the chest becomes 
gradually narrower and narrower. In time are developed 



*) Take for instance four hours only of garden work, heavy or Hght^ 
according to circumstances, and distributed over the whole day. 



16 



the germs of mortal diseases of the kmgs and the heart, 
and manifold interruptions of the whole system of alimen- 
tation. 

2. The muscles of the abdomen compose the soft 
framework of the abdomen, situated nearly all round 
between the ribs and the hip-bones. This partly fleshy 
partly sinewy apparatus serves, by virtue of its contraction 
(which is voluntary), as well for promoting and stimu- 
lating the functions of the abdominal organs (digestion, cir- 
culation of the juices, in evacuations, in child-bearing, &c.) 
as also for assm^ing their situation, and for their protection 
in cases of vigorous bodily exercises or violent exertions. 
The aid of the abdominal muscles is also required for 
respiration — consequently for speaking, singing, laugh- 
ing, coughing, etc. — and for the different movements 
of the trunk. From this will be seen the prejudicial effects 
of a want of exercise and a laxity of the abdominal 
muscles , such as sluggishness and interruption of all the 
functions of the abdomen, hernia, and in women painful 
childbed and delivery — which are all direct consequences 
of the above. 

3. The muscles of the back serve for the extension 
(stretching out) of the spine, and for its maintenance firm 
yet flexible in an upright position; as well as for its side- 
ward movements , (consequently of the movements of the 
whole trunk); and they are also operative in the process 
of respiration. Their constitution and activity is accor- 
dingly, for manifold reasons, of importance for the whole 
operations of life. Namely, the maintenance of an upright 
position of the trunk, which is dependent upon the above, 
is of great consequence, as well for the free, healthy per- 
formance of the functions of the chest and abdomen — ■ 



— 17 — 

which always suffer by a continually bent and doublecl- 
up position of the trunk — as also more especially in 
youth, for the conser\ation of the natural form of the 
back and whole body. From a want of exercise of these 
muscles arise the greatest part of cases of curvature of 
the spine. But also in other respects the power and ac- 
tivity of these muscles are of the greatest importance, viz., 
firstly, because the spine, situated in the median line of 
the body, forms a universal support (point d'appui) for 
the movements of the other parts of the body, the inten- 
sity of which n]o\ ements is more or less dependent upon 
the rigidity of the muscles of the back; secondly, because 
most probably by great acti^'ity on the part of these mus- 
cles the strengthening of the spinal marrow is brought 
about in the most direct manner: and then again a con- 
sequence of that is a strengthening of the normal , and 
pre\'ention of the abnormal reflexive working of the ner- 
vous system: as also more easily rendering powerless 
otherwise pernicious outward influences (a more powerful 
universal reaction). A \ igorous spinal marrow is certainly 
one of the best pre\'entitives against general debility and 
a too great sensibility (excitement), against the multiform 
enemies of life, hypochondria, hysteria, l^c. ' 

A scrutinizing' iilance at the ueneral state of health 
of that class of mankind who have but little muscidar 
movement, confirms the truth of what has been stated, 
and re^'eals in the greatest part of their complaints a 
connexion clearly to be explained. 

Either, if, as so often occurs, the want of muscular 
motion produces already in youth its enervating influence, 
the body never attains to its full normal development. It 
remains faulty and defective, partly as regards its out- 

9 



18 — ■ 



ward form, partly as regards its organisation. It does not 
attain gradually and regularly to a vigorous maturity. 
General poorness of the blood, or qualitative faulty 
mixing of the juices weaves round such a youthful life a 
many-linked chain of complaints — the influences of the 
exterior world weigh heavily upon the tender plant, and 
bow its head — serious diseases (especially of the chest) 
menace its existence ere it arrives at maturity. 

Or, this want of exercise is first associated with certain 
social conditions later in life. It is true that a vigorous 
maturity often neutralises for a long while its bad effects, 
and prevents its being so sensibly felt. But this lasts as 
a rule only to middle age. If not sooner, at least then 
begins this or that complaint to make its appearance — 
from what cause is for the most part not known or guessed 
at — such as the legion of chronic abdominal diseases, 
hemorrhoidal affections, congestion of the blood, precursers 
of the gout, asthma, hypochondria, hysteria, melancholy, 
paralysis, attacks of apoplexy, &:c. Well for him who 
understands and acts upon the first warning hint of nature, 
jealous of the observance of her laws. 

This is but a slight sketch of a picture presented 
by every-day life, in cases without number, and under 
different forms. We are certainly not wrong in con- 
sidering a want of muscular motion , although not the 
only cause, at least one of the most essential causes of 
the existence of all those enemies of life, forming, as it 
were, a frame to that picture. We see from it that hy- 
gienic gymnastics are a necessity for all those whose con- 
dition in life does not call into action other muscular 
movements than those caused by simple walking. And if 
here and there we see such a person spared the heavier 



19 

penalties of a want of a proper anionnt of motion, yet in 
(fll cases the effect will be felt, by a premature old age, 
a bluntness of the faculties, a stooping and shrinking to- 
gether of the body, general debility, &c. With a certain 
normal manner of life, an age of sixty or seventy years 
does not necessarily suppose a bluntness of the faculties. 
Among men of muscular activity, and, in other respects, 
of a rational way of living, even in less favourable cir- 
cumstances of climate, it is no rare thing to find full 
vigour of mind and body at the age of seventy and eighty. 
Temperance , activity, and contentment, are the three 
principles of the philosophy of health, the following ot 
which holds out a pr-omise of the attainment of a healthy 
old age. With this, this precept of the ethic philosophy 
of life is in perfect harmony: — ''Strive to obtain a full 
command over thyself, to remedy thy mental and bodily 
defects; begin with courage this struggle (sapere audel) 
— at whatever period of life thou mayst be, it is never 
too late — and be unwearied in thy endeavours for the 
attainment of this true (subjecti\e) freedom — for the 
ennobling of thy nature; so willst thou, within the limits 
set to thy earthly career by a higher hand, going on from 
victory to victory, come nearer and nearer to the end 
and aim of thy life." 

In the faithful following of these two precepts , hy- 
gienic and ethic, lies the whole secret of the most difficult 
but noblest and most important of all arts — tlie art of 
life, i. e., the art of living as toe ought. 



2* 



II. Aim and Plan of the Work. 



As the title duly sets forth, the aim of this work is 
the illustration of Medical In-door Gymnastics ; and these 
depending immediately only upon one's will, and requiring 
no foreign conditions (mechanical or other aid), and there- 
fore practicable any where and at any time. It is true 
that this does not comprehend all that is understood under 
the term medical gymnastics; for in many cases (e. g., for 
orthopedic purposes) such particular arrangements and 
conditions are required (continual and immediate medical 
guidance and superintendance, for instance) that they are 
only practicable in curative gymnastic establishments. But 
notwithstanding, there are in a good system of in-door gym- 
nastics so many changes and modifications, that for by far 
the greatest number of medical purposes they are sufficient. 
Their great importance will also certainly be recognised if 
we take into consideration that the frequenting of such cu^ 
ratlve gymnastic establishments is for many reasons, only 
possible to the very few — that, on the contrary, in-door 
gymnastics — whether jjractised in a room, in a summer- 
house, in any convenient spot in the open air, at home 
or when from home — require neither especial ari-angeu^ents 



— 21 



or insti'uiuents, nor (like the Swedish system of curative 
gyiniuistics) the aid of another person, but can be practised 
when and where one will. And besides this, to those 
who have followed a course of gymnastic treatment in an 
establishment it affords a welcome means of working out 
a corresponding after-cure, and of further carrying out 
such treatment. 

The end and aim of this work is, then, summarily 
this: To laij before the public a system of individual 
bodi/ij exercises, under all circujnstances easili/ intelligible 
and accessible, and directlij useful to medical men, their 
patients, persons of sedentarij habits, parents, and teachers; 
exercises acknowledged to be so important for the curing 
of numerous complaints, for tJie growth of the body, the 
maintenance of the health and vigour of body and mind 
to a ripe old age. 

x\nd especially to all those who are making use of 
certain methods of cure , taking the waters , inwardly or 
outwardly, at home or at watering places, it affords a 
desirable means of procuring bodily motion, so much to 
the purpose, and in a much more luiiversal, more speci- 
fically proportionate, and easier manner than were other- 
wise possible. In all such cases of methods of cure, an 
well-known essential condition is a corresponding regular 
and at times a powerful energetic bodily motion. The 
almost only means hitherto employed, walking, is certainly 
a very healthy exercise, especially in as much as it is 
connected with the enjoyment of the fresh air; and when 
it can be taken w-here the scenery is pleasing, affords 
variety and recreation to the eye and the mind. But 
without saying any thing of the partiality of this sort ol 
exercise, it must be much too dependent for its regularity 



22 

upon the weather ; or on account of the particukir malady 
of the patient it may be impossible. This system of 
gymnastics presents most certainly the surest means of 
furthering, reguhirly and in a manner the best adopted to 
particular cases, the aim of the method of cure employed, 
in as far as it depends upon bodily motion. We therefore 
recommend even to those whose bodily state and other 
circumstances allow of remilar methodical walkincj;, to 
untertake a certain amount of gymnastic exercise every 
day, and as much walking or other motion as they have 
time for, or as their state of health will allow of. And to 
this may be added, that it is precisely at watering places, 
where, as a ride many cases of such complaints are to be 
found, that the patients have the best opportunity of 
forming themselves into groups for gymnastic purposes, 
according to their strength and expertness in such exercises; 
the thing takes then a more social, agreeable, interesting, 
and practical character. And also for the medical super- 
intendance of such cases, the difficulties and inconveniences 
arising therefrom are removed in the easiest and most suit- 
able manner, by the means being provided for constant, 
uninterrupted, regular motion, adapted to all times and 
circumstances. 

To attain the end proposed in as complete a manner 
as possible, we have endeavoured to present to the reader 
in a summary manner just those of all imaginary medical 
gymnastic exercises which, depending upon no particular 
arrangements or conditions, are practicable under all cir- 
cumstances, and at the same time well adapted to obtain 
the desired result. The motions are systematically arranged 
from an anatomical point of view, extend their influence 
over the member-moving muscles of the whole body, and 



— 23 — 



in this manner i'orni the gronnd-work, or elementary or 
principal motions, out of which the thonsand movements 
of every-day life (movements having some aim) are com- 
posed. By this system it is put into the power of every 
individnal to obtain for himself, and that with ease the 
united advantages important for his health which are 
partially enjoyed by the labouring classes in the pursuit 
of their several callings, and which, although in each 
single case of less value than these gymnastic exercises, 
are yet sufticient to preserve them from the greater part of 
those health- destroying influences to which the working 
classes are exposed. The gymnastic exercises therefore atford 
at the same time a not unwelcome additional advantage — 
a great degree of bodily superiority in power, activity, 
and perseverance for general practical purposes, con- 
sequently also forming a groundwork for (among other 
things) military education, rational and graceful dancing, &c.; 
and by perseverance in the same assure a conservation 
for a longer period of the bodily faculties, even up to a 
most advanced age. 

It must in general be considered advisable, that in 
all cases where certain cures are sought for by gymnastic 
aid, there should previously be an understanding with the 
physician about the choice of exercises, and the modi- 
fications required in individual cases, and that this con- 
sultation be repeated from time to time. The aim there- 
fore of the present work is principally to put into the 
hands of the physician a suitable means of bringing about 
this understanding with his patient, and to afford the 
latter the necessary aid for the proper carrying out of 
the understandino' thus brouo'ht about. And in fact this 
has been taken as much as possible into consideration in 



24 — 



the composition ciiid arrangement, so that sinnmary direc- 
tions on the part of the medical man will snftice to make 
any . body easily famiHar with the particular, and most 
suitable method of the employment of the motions. In 
cases where no exactly definite special curative end is to 
be attained, but only a precautionary measure for the 
general health (hygienic gymnastics) is proposed, and 
where no exceptional circumstances, such as local organic 
defects, exist, no further medical advice or superintend- 
ance will be necessary. By means of the accompanying 
directions, every body, even the most actively employed 
man of business, and all those who, as a rule, most 
require such bodily recreation, such as home-students, 
clerks, shopmen, and all whose profession does not call 
the muscles into play — will be able to satisfy this want. 
And this is attained most completely by a regular me- 
thodical gymnastic exercise, once or twice a day, of only 
a quarter or at most of half an hour, than by a daily 
walk of some hours. And therefore must in-door gym- 
nastics be of the greatest ser\'ice to all comparatively 
inactive persons during the season when the weather is 
uniavourable, at which time, on account of a state of almost 
total inactivity, the germs of so many complaints are 
planted in the system, which, sooner or later, ripen into 
active diseases. Even the unfortunate being who, by pa- 
ralysis, or the loss of a limb, is deprived of the possi- 
bility of procuring the amount of general motion so ne- 
cessary to his general health — and even if confined to 
his chair or his bed — will find in them the means of 
performing the different movements practicable with liis 
remaining moveable limbs, and so to ward off the bad 
effects of an entirely motionless state. The same occurs 



— 25 — 



in general with all those who by their bodily condition 
or other circumstances, are confined to their room, to 
whom the bad effects of a want' of exercise become very 
sensible. How many thousands are there of the lair sex 
among the higher classes, who without perhaps being 
positively ill are yet nearly always weak and ailing, but 
who would enjoy good health of they could have regular 
and proportionate exercise. It is true that the family 
doctor insists on the necessity of exercise, but again and 
again even the best will in the world gives way before 
the thousand very often insuperable hindrances which 
oppose themselves to a consequent carrying out of the 
like measures, hitherto at any rate practicable, and which 
are more numerous than among men. 

To satisfy this uni\ ersally existing w^ant, in all these 
diff'erent cases, is the aim of this work, and its plan is 
as far as possible in conformity therewith. 

In order to facilitate, as much as lies hi our power, 
the understanding of the same, as w^ell for physician as 
for patient, the description of each single movement, and 
the intimation of its most essential special curative effect 
and mode of employment are given with each iUustration: 
and this in such a manner as will be sul'ticient to afford 
a sure aid in each single case where a particular end is 
to be attained. 



IIL General Eules. 



1. The following motions are, as a rule, adapted to 
all circiunstances, to every age, and to both sexes. Par- 
ticular exceptions will be mentioned by-and-by: only a 
state of pregnancy can form a total exception, in which 
case the necessary bodily motion will be better obtained in 
a much milder but regular manner — walkino; for instance — 
than by more violent exercise. It is also hardly necessary 
to say that in cases of serious inflammation, or fever in 
general, such gymnastic movements cannot he practised. 

2. But once in their proper place, they must be 
carried out ivith the greatest consequence, as long as no 
equivalent is afforded by one's daily occupation. And they 
must be included in the routine of every day just as mucli 
as eating and drinking, and continued, though perhaps mo- 
dified, even after the attainment of any proposed special 
cure. It is only in such a manner that their true curative 
effects, in the long run, can be reckoned on. No one 
having any regard to his health will grudge such an easy 
sacrifice. 

3. The best time for the performance of these mo- 
tions is just before one of the daily meals, either break- 



— 27 — 



fast, dinner, or supper, but so that there sliall be always an 
interval of at least a quarter of an hour between them and 
the respective meal, to afford the muscles of the stomach 
a period of repose. The abdomen should be as empty 
as possible, it is therefore advisable that, where necessary, 
this should be attended to before-hand. To promote a con- 
sequent carrying out of these motions we would recom- 
mend that the time set apart precede refjularhj one or 
the other of the daily meals — always the same: for in 
the every-day life of most persons these times aftbrd the 
most material and surest remembrancer 

4. All articles of clothing wliich restrain the free 
action of the parts of the body, especially the neck, breast, 
and abdomen, must be laid aside. 

5. Wliere there is a great disposition to a jiow of 
the blood inirards, or to bleeding, or where important 
organic changes of the generative organs, or hernia, exist 
(for many cases of not too long standing can even be 
radically cured by the use of gymnastics), only such mo- 
tions must be practised as the medical rnan^ after a care- 
ful selection, recomynends. In all these cases the hereafter- 
following sixth rule is especially to be rigorously observed. 
And persons suffering from hernia should never go through 
the exercises so recommended, except when the ruptiu*e 
is perfectly restrained by the truss. 

6. When the breathino^ and the beatino; of the 
heart become sensibly accelerated , a short interval of 
repose must be observed before going on to the next 
motion c 

7. The intervals should be devoted to a careful, 
regular respiration, quiet, full, and deej), as is the case 
in yawming; and in so doing it is better not to let the 



— 28 



arms liaug down loosely by the sides , but to set them 
lightly oil the hips, as by this means the full respiration 
is favoured by easing the weight of the shoulders. This 
is one of the most important and beneficial operations 
(taking place without any especial exercise of the will 
where the person is regularly muscularly active), directly 
and essentially promoting, as it does, a free and healthy 
state of the lungs and a lively and free circulation of the 
blood, particularly in the abdomen. The habit of taking a 
series of full, deep breathings daily (which may also be very 
w^ell practised out of doors if the air is pure) is therefore 
especially to be recommended to persons of little motion : 
for as such persons, in their ordinary way of life, which is 
in no way calculated to promote the strengthening of the 
muscles of the arms and breast, very seldom breathe 
fully — only half the depth — a part of the cellules of 
the lungs remain thus inactive, and are therefore, nn 
the greatest number of cases, often already early in life, 
diseased, and consequently become useless for respiration, 
as post-mortem examinations fully pro\ e. We shall treat 
the employment medically of compensating irregular breath- 
ing by-and-by. 

8. The movements must be performed quietly, and 
not hastily, but ivith a full stretching of the muscles, and 
in all cases as exactly as possible according to the illus- 
trations given. All irregular jerking motions are to be 
avoided , as w^ell as the moving of other parts of the 
body not designated, which is liable to distract the atten- 
tion, and render the motion itself imperfect. Only in this 
w^ay can the intended full concentration and employment 
of the powders of the body upon the parts to be exercised 
be brought about. 



29 



9. The attaininent of the desired end of gymnastic 
exercises depends chiefly upon the proj^e}' amount. But 
this is naturally different in different individuals ; and 
especially at first is the amount of exercise that can be 
taken always small, increasing with practice. As far as 
ir is in general possible we shall give the average, as 
well for each single movement as for the promoting of 
especial cures, by which means a sure rule (Anhaltpunct) 
is gi\en for all cases. Two conditions must thereto be 
rigorously observed: 1. That the feeling of fatigae must 
he allowed time in the intervals of repose to pass quite 
away; 2. lliat no great pain of the muscles remain: for 
the painless feeling caused by the exercise of the muscles 
which is especially the case with beginners, is, from the 
agreeable sensation experienced, a proof that it is natural 
and harmless. These two conditions, then, must be con- 
sidered as limits, never to be exceeded, and particularly 
by beginners. And so, if at the commencement, in spite 
of great caution, lively pains in the muscles are now and 
then felt, which is the case with many persons after e^ en 
a little but unaccustomed motion, these pains must fii'st 
be allowed to pass over, and the party recommences with 
less fatiguing exercises. Soon, with a little familiarity 
with the movements, the repetition of them becomes far 
easier and less fatiguing than at the beginning. The ob- 
jectionable maxim. Much helps much , must be a\ oided, 
both here and in every method of cure. Only as long as 
the increase of bodily activity caused by muscular motion 
is in proportion to the nourishment, i. e., to the formation 
of new organic matter, can a certain amelioration of the 
health take place. Beyond these limits the contrary is 
the case. By an over-excitement of the muscular fibres, 



30 — 



they become in the end stiff, organically deteriorated, and 
ever less and less serviceable. Instead of an increase of 
health and vigour, the consequence is a weakening of the 
powers of the whole system. Those suffering from chronic 
complaints have especially to guard against that impatience 
which is liable to show itself — to wish to force a quick 
attainment of the end desired — which, by the nature of 
nearly all these diseases, is impossible. When a gym- 
nastic method of cure is undertaken in a right place and 
in a proper manner, it will have its recompensing result, 
but, as rule, only gradual at first. So, once more, we 
recommend the observance of a gradual progression in 
executing the motions, and the never going beyond certain 
limits. 

10. When, after a long use of this system, a 
still greater development of the muscles is desired, and 
can be borne without injury, this will be produced 
by the use of a pair of dumb-bells of from two to 
six pounds' weight , the individual going through the 
same movements with them in his hand as he did be- 
fore without them. 

11. If it is desired to unite the enjoyment of fresh 
air by having the windows open at the time of exer- 
cise, this may done, even in cold weather, of course com- 
mon precautionary measures being obser\'ed. 

12. The arrangement of the whole manner of life 
depends naturally upon different circumstances. As is 
in general the case where regard is had for the health, 
so is also here a simple, temperate and regular life — 
not anxiously pedantic — the best means to the end 
in view. 



— 31 



13. In cases of indisposition, the daily gymnastic 
exercises should only be omitted when they sensibly dis- 
turb the body, The period of monthly courses in women 
does not require a total cessation, but only certain mo- 
difications in the exercises, which will be indicated in 
the proper place. 



1 



IV. Illustration and Description of the 
Medico-Gymnastic Exercises. 



II e m a r k. 

In cases Avhere it is proposed to perform a certain 
number of these motions every day, in order to give a sure 
average rule how often each single movement is to be re- 
peated, such an average is here expressed by three num- 
bers. The first designates the number of times by beginners, 
the second after a fortnight's regular performance , and 
the third after a lapse of two months. The last number 
is to be considered as that to be observed by a further 
carrying out of the same. This standard is calculated for 
a male adult, and supposes full normal muscular power — 
that is , that no organic defect exists. For those over 
sixty, for very corpulent persons, for females and children, 
the half of that amount will be sufficient. Where a par- 
ticular cure is to be attained, the motions most adapted to 
bring it about can be oftener repeated than the average 
given, and the others correspondingly less. If it is ad- 
visable to go through the series of motions resolved on 
more than once a day, must depend upon circumstances, 



— 33 — 



especially on careful observation on the part of the 
performer himself. As a constant exercise, twice a day 
would, in most cases, be not only nnobjectionable , but 
even to be recommended. 

The motions undertaken for any particular purpose 
can be easily adapted to these and other directions which 
may be given hereafter; and the modifications here and 
there necessary, both as regards the manner and the amount 
of the motion can be definitely regulated accordingly. 

1) Rotatory Head movement — 10, 20, 30 times. 

The head describes a circle from right to left, and 
from left to right, the circumference being as extended 
as the articidation of the neck allows of. The other parts 
of the body remain immoveable. 



— 34 — 



2) Turning of the Head — 6, 8. 10 times to each side. 

A tiirniiig of the head on its axis. With a free 
articulation of the neck, the head describes on each side 
nearly a quarter of a circle, so that the chin comes nearly 
over the shoulders. 




These two movements set the vdiole of the muscles 
of the neck in motion, and serve to render their action 
freer in cases of stiffness — when no organic hindrance 
exists — ■ and as a remedy for a disabled state of the same, 
and against nervous giddiness. The latter soon disappears 
because the head gets accustomed to all positions and 
changes from one to another. If there is a great dis- 
position to giddiness , it is better at first to perform this 
movement in a sitting posture. 



3) Raising of the Shoulders — 30, 40. 50 times. 

The slioiilders are raided both togethei- 
as powerfully and as liigh as possible. 
They lunst be lowered gently, because bv 
frequent repetition the head would be too 
mnch shaken. As by this motion, those 
muscles are brought :into action which 
raise not only the shoulders but also the 
upper ribs, it is to be recommended as 
enlarging upwards the cavity of the chest, 
m cases of incipient consumption and form- 
ation of tubercles on the lungs — which 
usually takes place first at theh' tips, and 
if their progress is not arrested, spread 
lower and lower, destroying the remaining tissue, and so 
causing the ordinary form of consumption. Of more 
du-ect service is this movement against jmrali/sation 
of the shoulder muscles, which is seen by a loose hang- 
ing of the shoulders. In cases of unequal height of the 
shoulders, proceeding from a partial paralysation of 
one of them, or from curvatiire of the spine, this 
movement shoidd be performed with onh/ the defective 
shoulder. 




■•) By the word T/cihrnuri;/. paralijsis ; paralysation , is to be under- 
stood not exclusively a completely paralysed state, but also a partial 
paralysation, of whicli there are. it is true, an infinite number of degrees. 
Paralysation is already present where the normal balance of the mus- 
cular parts of the two sides of the body compared one with another, 
or in general the normal condilion and power of motion of a limb, is 
visibly disturbed. In this general sense it occurs both here and else- 
where, and is generally translated paraJijsation , which must also be 
understood in this modified sense. 



- 36 — 



4) Circular Arm movement — 8, 12, 20 times. 




Both oiit-stretchecl arms describe as large a circle as 
possible, first in a backward direction and then forwards. 
The arms must pass close to the head, which necessitates 
a certain freedom of the articulation of the shoulder, in 
most cases only to be attained by practice. The shoulder 
muscles, as well as those lying round the framework of 
the chest , are by this means set in ireer universal 
(all-sided — in opposition to partial or one-sided) motion. 
Its essential working consists in causing a freedom of 
action of the shoulders, and pi^oinoting respiration , with 
which must also be reckoned an enlarging of the frame- 
uwrk of the chest, which is a mechanical consequence. 
This movement is decidedly of great service in cases of a 
defective action of the shoulders, narroivness of the chest, 
and therefore for certain forms of asthma, incipient con- 
sumption — in short wherever an amelioration of the process 



— 37 



J of respiration is the end to be attained. Besides this, it 
acts a preservative against pu niltjsation of the nmscles 
brought into play. 

5) Raising of the Arms sidewards — 10, 20, 30 times. 




The arms are raised sidewards as high as possible, 
without the slightest bending of the elbow. If the nmscles 
and articulation of the shoulder are healthy and free, 
the fore-arm, when fully raised, should touch the sides 
of the head. The allotment (raising) muscles of the arm, 
and the side neck muscles are chiefly operative in this 
movement The sides of the chest, and the space between 
the lower ribs are considerably enlarged by the mechanic 
action. As one consequence of this motion is a promotion 
of healthy respiration, it can be profitably used for asthma^ 
and in cases of adhesion of the mem.hr ane of the Iwigs 
to the side (after inflanmiation). And then also against 
parahjsation of the muscles exercised. 



38 — 

6) Throwing back the Elbows — 8, 12, 16 times. 

Botli Lands are set fast 
on the Lips, and in tLis Lalf- 
bent position tLe arms are 
tLrown forcibly back as far as 
possible. The trunk remains 
inmoveable. TLe accent (stress) 
of the motion lies on tLe back- 
ward motion of tLe elbow, 
wLicL must take place at the 
same time as the /^dialing of 
the breath. 



7) Stretching the Arms downward behind — 8, 12, 16 times. 

The body maintaining a perfectly upright position, the 
hands are clasped behind, and the arms then stretched 
downwards as far as possible. This downward movement, 
the essential point, should take place at the same time 
with the (^.rlialing of the breath. 




— 39 



By this aiKl tbe foregoing moveiiieiit the slioiilders 
are strengthenecl , and thrown more back; and by tlie 
pi-esent one tliey arc also dra\vn down: thereby promoting 
a nobler cdrrinfje, and oiie in many respects favorn-able 
to -the healtli, as also /cir/eniiu/ f/ie chest. Jt aids res- 
piration, and remedies that tcincj-likc sta ndliuj-out of the 
shouJder-hJades. arid is very serviceable in cases of hxity 
and defectiveness of tlie hinder shoulder muscles, which 
manifest themselves by a bad carriage, and the inability 
to assimie at once an upright position; and in the great- 
est number of cases of chronic asthma, 

8) Unequal breathing — 6, 8, 10 times, hat repeated 
four or five times daily. 




The aim of this exercise is a compensating action, 
and is therefore only of service in cases where the action 
ot the respiratory organs on either side is unequal, i. e, 
where one half of the chest — one lung — is less active 



40 

than the other; whether this arises from a disabled state 
of the respiratory niiiscles on one side, or from organic 
changes (such as the adhesion of the lungs to the side), 
the consequences of former diseases of one part of the 
organs of the chest. The open hand is placed high 
up close under the axillary cavity (arm-pit) on the 
healthy side — in the illustration the right side is 
supposed to be the healthy side — and pressed lirmly 
against the ribs, thus causing here an obstruction; while 
the other side, rendered more than otherwise free by the 
passing of the arm over the head, is so much the more 
stimulated to stronger and deeper breathing. The hand 
placed at the side must be tightly pressed against the ribs, 
particularly when inhaling. The breathing must be as deejj 
and complete as possible, but at the same time gentle and 
regular, as in yawning. All haste and exertion must be 
avoided. 

This operation of unequal breathing can be sometimes 
used, in cases designated, instead of the usual equal breath- 
ing recommended rule 7, page 27, without the hitter's being 
entirely neglected. 

9) Striking out the Arms forwards 10, 20, 30 times. 

10) „ „ „ „ sideways 10, 20, 30 tiynes, 

11) „ „ „ „ upwards 4, 8, 12 times. 

12) „ „ „ „ downwards 10, 20, 30 times. 

13) „ „ „ „ backwards 6, 10, 16 times. 

A vigorous bending and stretching of the arms from 
the elbow in five different directions. The movement 
is performed with closed fists., and a rigid tension of the 
arm muscles. The same power must be employed in 



V 



\ 



— 41 — 



bending as in stretching the arm, yet not so as that it 
canse too great a concussion, which is not good for the head. 




The flexor and extensor (bending and stretching) 
muscles of the fore-arm are here called most into play. 
As this movement requires- the co-operation, more or 
less, of a great number of muscles (nearly all the arm 



— 42 — 



muscles) , it serves in the first place as a part of the 
system of imiversal motion, and besides for facilitating the 
free action of the elhoio joint, as a remedy against a de- 
fective state of the arm muscles, and parti}' also for 'pro- 
moting respiration. This exercise has no other special 
curative effect. 



14) Swinging the Arms together — 8, 12, 16 times. 




the hands to touch. The effect lies in the convergent 
movement. 



15) Swinging the Arms apart — 8, 12, 16 times. 

A similar movement, only in an opposite direction. 
The structure of the body does not allow of the hands 
coming so close together as in the former exercise. The 
effect here lies in the divergent movement. 



Ill both these motions, the muscles of the fore part of the 
chest and the hinder shoulder muscles are alternately set in 
predominant activity ; at the same time that now the fore part 
of the framework^of the chest, now the hinder part, is mecha- 
nically enlarged ; thus aiding respiratioru and being service- 
able in cases of asthma, the formation of tnbercles on t/ie lungs, 
and adhesion of the nienibrane of the lungs. 

16) Twisting of the Arms — 30, 40, 50 times. 



yf j 



— 44 — 

17) Eight-movement of the Hand — 20, 30, 40 times. 




18) Bending and Stretching of the Fingers — 

12^ 16, 20 times. 

The movement No. 16 is that 
produced in boring a hole with a 
gimblet, but with ont- stretched 
arms. Xo. 17 will be best execu- 
ted by the hands" describing in the 
air the figure eight ( oo ) horizont- 
ally. In Xo. 18 the fingers are 
stretched out as much as possible, 
and then tightly clenched, form- 
ing a fist. 

In the two first movements 
the rotator muscles of the arm and 
hand are active, and the finger muscles in the third. They 
promote a free ciction of the joints of the arin^ the icrist, 
and the Jingers. and are besides useful .against pciraJysation 
of the above-mentioned muscles, contractions of the wrist 




- 45 — 

and finger joints . (particnlarly as fore-runners of gout) : 
and at the same time as aids in cases of different forms 
of cramp, epilepsy, St. Vitus's dance, and the icritnig- 
cramp. If such an end is to be attained, these movements 
may be repeated three or four times a day, if no pain 
is felt therefrom. They also serve as a remedy against 
affluence of the blood, and pain or nervous affections of 
the head or breast. 

19) Rubbing the Hands together — 40, 60, 80 times 
backwards and forwards. 

A well-kno\yn movement. When 
the palms of the hands are vigourously 
struck together the movement becomes 
quite an energetic one for the exercise 
of nearly all the arm muscles, especially 
the flexor muscles , and those of the 
fore part of the chest. In the first 
place this motion is useful in as much 
as it contributes its quota to the amount 
of universal exercise required ; and 
then also as a preservative against 
paralysation of the muscles employed, 
and as a means of quickhj warming the hands: and thus, 
^vith certain foot movements (to be mentioned by-and-by), 
as a remedy against affluence of the blood, and nervous 
affections of the head. It can be also used against the same 
complaint of the inner organs of the chest. But in this 
case the eneroetic strikino; too-ether of the hands, which 
rather strains the muscles of the chest, should give place 
to a quiet rubbing together of the same, which being 




longer performed, the operation gains in amount what it 
loses in intensity. 



20) Bending of the Body forwards and backwards — 

iO, 20, 30 times each ivay. 




With the legs fixed and their mnscles rigid, the 
body is bent as far forwards as possible, and then the 
same backwards. This movement, as well as the other 
following ones of the trunk, must be performed gently: 
this must not be forgotten. The forward motion is 
produced by the muscles of the fore part of the abdo- 
men, and the backward one by the extensor muscles of 
the back. By this means a very healthy influence is 
exercised on the organisation of the abdomen, when slug- 
gish or suffering from constipation^ and a lively strength- 
ening effect produced on the lower muscles of the back 
— a preservative against paiudijsation of the same. 



47 



21) Sidewards movement of the Body — 

20. 30, 40 times to and fro. 

The trunk is moved directly side- 
wards to the right Mud left, but with- 
out effort. 

The muscles active in this oper- 
ation are especially the side and back 
muscles of the abdomen, as well as 
the muscles between the ribs. This 
movement exerts a favourable in- 
fluence on the circulation of the blood, 
and on the mechanism of the organs 
of the body on either side, particularly 
the liver and milt, and is therefore 
to be especially recommended for all complaints consequent 
upon a derangement of the port-vein system. 




22) Twisting of the Body — 10, 20, 30 times to and fro. 



The trunk maintains its upright po- 
sition and turns on its own axis the same 
distance on each side, the leo:s beino' im- 
moveable and the back well stretched. 

The lower back muscles and those 
of the hips are thereby principally em- 
ployed. By this movement a mechanic 
straining and stretching of the fore coat 
of the stomach on the opposite side takes 
place, causing the intestines to be moved 
about from one side to the other gently 
kneaded — so to say — thus promoting the 




- — 48 



action of the organs of the trunk: and besides serves as 
a preservative against a disabled state of the mvscles em- 
ployed, and especially wdiat is called a par aly sat ion of the 
spinal marrow. 



23) Circular movement of the Trunk — 8, 16, 30 times. 



23 




The trunk, turning on the hips, 
describes a circle as large as pos- 
sible in circumference from left to 
right and from right to left. This 
takes place by means of the muscles 
lying about the hips. The abdominal 
muscles are also thereby set in a 
sort of see-saw, alternate motion. 
This motion gives a universal im- 
pulse to the digestive organs, and is 
therefore to be recommended in ca- 
ses of thei:r sluggishness , and the 
many evils consequent thereupon. If it is practised prin- 
cipally to relieve the bowels., the best way will be thus: 
that the hinder half of the circle to be described with the 
head and trunk go from right to left, and that the accent 
be laid upon this part of the movement. This see-saw 
stretching of the muscles of the abdomen acts most favour- 
ably in forcing down the contents of the great gut. 

This movement strengthens all the 'muscles about the 
hips; and, by the operator's becoming gradually accustomed 
to a circular movement of the trunk and head, it serves 
as an aid in cases of nervous giddiness. Should there be 
a great tendency to giddiness, this movement must at 
first be practised sitting. 



49 

24) Raising of the Trunk — 4, 8, 12 times. 




The body must be in a borizontal position. As the 
employment of a sofa or a bed is not at all times con- 
venient, in the illustration we have represented a doubled 
carpet. Two cushions, one under the head and the other 
under the hips, would do just as well: neither one way 
nor the otiier i-equires much trouble. The movement itself 
consists in a simple raising of the trunk to an upright 
position without mo\ ing the legs. Many will not at first 
be able to accomplish this without the aid of a block of 
wood or a heavy cushion, which, being laid across the 
legs about the ankle, ser\ es as a compensation weight. 
By-and-by this becomes lumecessary. At first the arms 
should be crossed over the bi-east. If this succeeds the 
hands may then be |)laced behind the head, as in the 
illustration. Jf it is desired to render the movement still 
more difficult, dmnb-bells may be used, the hands being 
then held close down to the body. 

This is a mo\'ement setting powerfully in motion all 
the muscles of the abdomen, but especialh' those of the 
fore part, whose activity, and the straining they undergo, 
exert a decidedly direct iiifiuence on the functions of the 
body, but which are however just those that are in so many 
cases so much neglected. After a repetition of the motion from 

4 



— 50 - 



four to eight times , the beneficial influence of it will be 
already experienced by the feeling of warmth which imme- 
diately follows, and spreads itself over the whole region 
of the abdomen. It is of great service against iveakness^ or 
2oarolysation of the muscles of the stomach, and for all 
forms of chronic obstructions of the abdomen^ and their 
consequences; and may be used as a trial for the radical 
cure of hernia. 

Remark. — In cases where, in spite of the facility 
afforded by the laying of something over the lower part 
of the legs, the movement is still too difficult — and fur- 
ther, in such cases where great caution must be observed 
in habituating one's self to the movement and in the pas- 
sing through the different stages of it (as in hernia), and for 
women who have already had several children (and who 
therefore generally have the abdominal muscles rather 
slacker) — it would be found better to place the upper 
part of the body in a slightly elevated position — not quite 
horizontal as in the other cases: in such a manner the rais- 
ing will be greatly facilitated. A sofa can be very easily 
arranged for the purpose. 

25) Circular movement of the Leg — 

4, 6, 8 times tuith each leg. 

The leg, fully stretched, describes a circle as large 
and as high as possible, from the front backwards, coming 
down again to its former position by the other leg, 
which now performs the same movement in its turn; and 
so this goes on alternating. The trunk should be kept as 
much as possible immoveable As, however, the centre 
of gravity is continually changing, a many-sided play of 
the muscles is the consecjuence. Not only the allotment 



51 



(raising) muscles of the legs, but 
also the whole of the muscles of 
the trunk, particularly of the back 
and loins, are set in active motion. 
The movement serves to render freer 
the play of the legs in their sockets, 
if impeded; and especially in cases 
of rheiimatic gout, but of course 
only where no trace of inflammation 
any longer exists. It is also a pre- 
vention against peirdlyscdion of the 
muscles employed, and is of service 
ivhere the head or breast requires to he relieved'^"). 




26) Sideward movement of the Leg 

6, 10, 16 times wit It each leg. 

The fully stretched right leg 
is raised sidewards , in doing 
which, in order to make it as 
complete as possible, the accent 
should be laid upon the upward 
movement, but without any vio- 
lent effort. After doing this a ^ 
few times with one leg, the other 
should take its turn. 

The movement is operated 
more especially by the side mus- 
cles of the hips and trunk. The 




••) Ableitungsmittel, translated, relieving, relief, ^'C. is literally carri]- 
ing-of means; that is relieving the respective parts of the body of super- 
fluous blood, juices^ &c., by promoting their passing off or out of the body, 

4* 



52 — 



practical use of it is the same as that of the No. 25, 
only that here, by virtue of its more violent and exciting 
shaking effect upon the regions of the liver and milt, it 
is of great service in cases of ohstructwn of the port-vein 
system. It is to be avoided by females. 

27) Twisting of the Legs — 20, 30, 40 times tcith each leg. 




The leg, fully stretched, slightly raised from the 
ground, and with the toes turned upwards, is vigorously 
twisted outwards, and so that the accent is laid on the 
outward twisting, answering to the normal predominant 
relation in which those muscles Mdiich twist the leg out- 
wards stand to those with cause the inward twisting, or 
rolling. This movement is more easily and completely 
executed if each leg performs its whole task without the 
interruption of alternating with the other. The muscles 
in operation here are the rotator and extensor muscles 
of the leg. The application is the same as that of No. 25. 



— 53 



28) Drawing the Legs together — 4, 6, 8 tinier: 

The legs are placed at a 
moderate distance apart, the body 
resting on the well-tnrned out 
toes. The leo;s are then drawn 
too'ether by sliding- them alono- 
the ground (still on the toes), 
the knees remaining stiff. This 
is a very energetic moyement 
for the muscles of the upper part 
of the thiodi, and for those of 
the calyes, and finds its appli- 
cation as a preventitive against 
a jjaralj/sation of the muscles mentioned, 
of relieving the head and chest. 




and 



as a means 



29) Bending and Stretching the Knee forwards — 

6, 8, 10 times with each leg. 

The leg, bent at the knee , is 
gently raised in front of the body, 
and then with a tension of all the 
muscles . stretched out yigourously 
at full length. This is performed 
by each leg alternately. The great- 
est number of the flexor and ex- 
tensor muscles of the leg and foot^ 
including those in the pelvic cavity, 
are thereby set in active motion. 
The moyement serves to render 
freer the joints of the knees, in 
cases of painless stiffness, and prevents their becoming 




54 — 



paralysed; as a stimulant for the circulation of the blood 
in the lower organs of the trunk, especially in cases of 
hemorrhoidal obstructioiis ; and as a means of relievmy 
the upper parts of the body. 

30) Bending and Stretching of the Knee behind — 

10, 12, 16 times loith each leg. 




On account of the organisation of the joints of the 
hips, the leg cannot be raised so high behind as before. 
It is, however, to be raised as high as possible (the body 
preserving its upright position), then bent, and then vigor- 
ously . stretched out to its full length. It is better not to 
alternate with the legs, but that each should accomplish 
its allotted task without interruption. This movement ex- 
tends its influence over most of the extensor and flexor 
muscles of the leg and foot, as No. 29, but in a partly op- 
posite way; and besides that, exercises the lower back 
muscles. The combined effect of these two movements 
is to set in active motion all the extensor and flexor 



55 

muscles of tlie leg. The exercise serves to render freer 
the joints of the laiees^ and is of service in cases of in- 
cipient paralysis of the spinal marrow, or of the muscles 
of the feet; as well as being a remedy against affluence 
of the blood, and irritation of the nerves of the head 
and breast. 

31) Bending and Stretching of the Foot — 

20, 30, 40 times ivith each foot. 




A powerful and complete as possible raising and 
sinking of the point of the foot, the leg being held for- 
ward and the knee rather stiff. The movement takes place 
simple by means of the ankle joint. In connexion there- 
with there may also be an energetic bending and stretch- 
ing of^the toes, which however, of course, require plenty 
of room in the shoes. The simple raising of the point of 
the foot may be also alternated with a circular motion of 
the same. The muscles thereby active are those of the 
shin and calf, and the muscles of the lower part of the 
thigh and of the foot. The movement serves to render 



56 — 



freer the action of the joints of the ankle, the tarsus^ and 
the toes: as a means 'of relief for the other parts of the 
body, and -dgixmiit paralysation and slighter contractions of 
the foot. It is also a g-ood means of irarmincj the feet. 

32) Raising of the Knee — 4, 8, 12 times with eacJi knee. 

The leg, lirmly bent at the knee is 
raised so high that the knee is brought as 
near as possible to the breast/ On the 
raising a strong accent mnst be laid. The 
upper part of the body should be kept as 
immoveable as possible, in spite of a great 
disposition to bending forward , which is 
liable to show itself. If the joints of the 
hips are quite free, and the allotment mus- 
cles of the legs have attained a fidl average 
amount of power, the movement then be- 
comes so perfect tliat the knee lightly 
touches the breast witliout any perceptible bending for- 
ward of the trunk. But here the average amount regulated 
by the circumstances of each individual must not be ex- 
ceeded, as there exists a great difference in persons as to 
their capability of pei'formiug tliis motion. All violent 
eifort must be avoided, and each, will attain his aim 
most completely by being satiished with doing his best. 
The movement succeeds best by changing the legs. This 
is a very energetic exercise for all the allotment nuiscles, 
and especially for those in the lower part of the abdomen, 
also powerfully acting niechanically from two directions 
— from within and without — upon the whole of the 
organs of the abdomen, beneficially invigorating and 
promoting the functions of the same. It is therefore to 




be especially recommended for all chronic complaints pro- 
ceeding from or connected with sluggishness or obstruction 
of those functions; viz., obstruction of the port-vein system, 
loeak digestion (especially of the small gut, declaring it- 
self by an unpleasant feeling generally an hour and a half 
or t^yo hours after the meal), constipation, flatulency (this 
movement has an especially powerful, immediate action 
against flatulency) , hypochondria proceeding from the 
abdomen, hysteria, interruption of the hemorrhoidal flux, 
and of the monthly courses, so-called mucous and bladder 
hemorrhoids , chronic mucous fluxes of females, Sfc. ^c. 
This exercise is also calculated to produce a quickly fa- 
tiguing and sleepy effect if such be desired. 

But this must be kept in mind, that the most im- 
mediate working of this movement is a heating one; and 
its use must therefore be dependent upon this consider- 
ation, and regulated accordingly. Where any inflammation 
is present in the region of the abdomen , or in cases of 
disposition to bleedings, or the existence of hernia, it is 
to be totally avoided. By w^omen, where there is a dis- 
position to orgasm, and in connexion with heating me- 
dicinal-water cures (internal or external), it is to be used 
with caution. For girls it should be allowed only as an 
exception. 

33) Sinking and Raising of the Trunk — 

8, 16, 24 times down anjl up. 

With the heels close together, the body is raised on 
the toes, and then let down as low as possible, the trunk 
retaining its upright position: the raising of the same 
then follows under the same conditions. At first the 
maintenance of a perpendicular position of the trunk is 



— 58 — 



attended with some difficulty, as there 
is invohintarily a greater or less disposition 
to bending forwards, caused by the chang- 
ing of the centre of gravity; but this is 
soon overcome by a little attention and 
practice. 

The extensor muscles of the knees, 
and the muscles of the calves and toes, 
. take the most active part in this exercise; 
' at the same time, by the exertions made 
to maintain the trunk in an upright po- 
sition, it acts in a not unimportant man- 
ner upon the lower muscles of the back. It is also effective 
for rendering freer all the joints of the leg and foot, 
and further as a strengthening remedy against paralysation 
of the lower extremities of the body, and as a means 
of relief for the upper parts. 




Now follow a series of compound movements, i.e., 
movements in which the activity of the muscles is not 
conhned to one particular limb or part of the body, but 
where the action is at the same time extended, in various 
degrees , over many parts or even the whole body. 

34) Circular movement with a Stick — 4, 12, 

16 times backwards and forwards. 

For this purpose a rounded stick is necessary, which 
must be at least as long as to reach from the ground to 
the axillary cavity (arm-pit) of the person who is to use 
it. He takes hold of it near the ends, the backs of the 



— 59 




hands beii:ig turned upwards, and describes a circle over 
his head backwards, and tlien brings it forward again in 
the same manner, letting the stick touch the body before 
and behind. The principal thing to be observed is that 
the arms be not bent at the elbows. This is at first diffi- 
cult, because in most persons, the joint of the shoulder has 
lost its normal Ireedom of movement from want of use. 
But by degrees this hindrance will yield to practice, and 
then the distance between the hands can be proportion- 
ately diminished till that is no longer possible. The il- 
lustration represents this point, that is, as a general rule, 
and beyond which it is difficult to go. By the forward 
and backward movement there arises a soft rocking to 
and fro of tlie trunk, causing the movement to be con- 
sidered as a compound one. The principal effect is pro- 
duced upon the muscles of the shoulders, next come the 
arm muscles, and then those of the lower part of the 
back and of the abdomen. The movement is a most 



60 — 



effective one for rendering freer the action of the shoul- 
der joints, and has a helping cnrative working in cases 
of pandysation of the above-mentioned muscles, for the 
completeness of the process of respiration, and as a stimulant 
for the functions of the abdomen. 

35) Walking with a stick under the Arms — 

from ten to fifteen minntes. 

A short rounded stick is put straight 
across the back under the arms, which 
are thrown backward, and bent at right 
angles. In this manner the operator 
walks up and down the given time, 
preserving as much as possible the up- 
right position of the body. One prin- 
cipal point is the drawing of the shoul- 
ders back and down at the same time. 
A good carriage is thus promoted, and 
that position and bearing of the arms 
and shoulders which it is difficult al- 
ways to preserve if the exercise is not performed with 
something to hold. The attention is to be directed ex- 
clusively to the upright bearing of the body while thus 
in motion. 

The aim of the movement, at the same time that it 
contributes to the strengthening of the muscles of the 
shoulder, back, and foot, is to promote and confirm an 
habitually noble and healthy carriage. It is therefore de- 
signed as as remedy against a one-sided^ loose ^ and un- 
steady carriage of tJie back, and in geno'al of the lohole 
body. This bad habit often shows itself in young people 
who are growing fast, and its effects are then most pre- 




— 61 — 



udicial (defective growth, faulty formation of the chest, 
&c. &c.), extending their influence over the whole after' 
life. This movement has further no especial working. 



36) Swinging the Arms backwards and forwards 

30, 60, 100 tijues to and fro. 

The arms are stretched out (but 
not stiffly), with the fists closed, and 
then thrown forcibly backwards and 36 
forwards in allegro time. The trunk 
must not remain stiff, but rather yield- £ 
ing upon the hip joints, in such a 
manner that, acting as a balance, it 
is now bent a little forward, now a 
little backward, according as the 
arms are swineino; backwards or 
forwards. The whole movement is 
thereby rendered easier, and the 
effect more universal. Besides the respective arm and 
shoulder muscles, most of those of the abdomen and 
back are set in a sort of rocking motion. The im- 
mediate effect of this motion is an agreeable feeling; 
and although the motion itself is somewhat violent, its 
influence is on the whole a mild one. It forms , firstly, 
a jDretty good quota of the whole amount of exercise 
required, and is a poioerful promoter of the circulation 
of the blood. It is also of essential service in cases of 
paralysation of the muscles of the arm, hack and abdomen. 
as well as sluggishness and interruption of the functions 
of the ahdomen in general; and is recommendable on ac- 
count of its mild working in especial cases, and particu- 
larly at the commencement of a series of gymnastic 




— 62 



exercises. Altlioiigh the movement is not what you may 
call heating (in spite of the impulse given to the blood), 
yet it may be arh antageoasly used for tvarming the trunk, 
arms, and hands. It has a favourable effect as a stimulant 
at those times of bodily and mental lassitvde which now 
and then arrive, in consequence sometimes of a change 
of the weather or of the seasen, or of a disorganised 
state of the nervous system of the abdomen, and which are 
not to be otherwise expLained. If thought necessary, this 
movement may be executed 200, 300, 400 times at shoi-t 
intervals, and then at last the enemy will be vanquished. 



37) Swinging the Arms sideways 

30, 60, 100 times to and fro. 




A movement very like the foregoing, principally differ- 
ing in the direction. Both the arms are here moved to 
one side, but in other respects, in the same manner as 
in No. 36. The upper part of the body is bent forward 
a little, but only enough to give free action to the arms, 
wnich are swung to and fro perpendicularly in front of 



— 63 — 



the body. Also here must the trunk be quite free, and 
moveable on the hip joints: it has a similar rocking motion 
to that in No. 36, but sideways, always in opposition to 
that of the arms as they mo\'e to and fro. 

Amono' the muscles set in motion are the muscles of 

o 

the fore part of the breast, and instead of. the muscles 
of the fore part of the abdomen, those of the sides of 
the abdomen. The effect, therefore, of this movement is 
more the stimulating of the regions of the liver and mdt, 
and is, on that account, of use as a remedy against ob- 
struction of those organs. By the bending of the body 
forward, a strengthening of the muscles of the back is 
effected. This movement has, for the rest, the same 
qualities and uses as No. 36. 

38) Sawing movement — 10, 20, 30 times with each 
arm, up and doivn. 

The body is bent considerably for- 38 
wards, and then each arm in turn thrown 
vigorously forward: the backward motion 
is combined with a bending at the el- 
bow. One arm is 'thrown forward, as 
the other is drawn back. This move- 
ment succeeds very well, if you imagine 
you have something before you in the 
required direction that you would hke 
to strike away with one hand, at the 
same time that you would draw it to- 
wards you with the other. A great number of muscles 
are thereby exercised — nearly all those of the arm 
shoulder and back; and the movement contributes much 
to the amount of necessary universal action, and is good 




64 — 



against parcdijsation of the above mentioned muscles: and, 
by virtue of the elfect of its rocking motion upon the 
chest and abdomen, agahist 'such complaints as are a con- 
sequence of obstruction of tlie juices, and sluggishness of 
the functions of the organs in those parts, and particu- 
larly as a means of discussing glandulous tumors, ^'c. , in 
the breast and abdomen. 

39) Mowing movement — 8, 16, 24 times to and fro. 

The body preserves its 
upright position, and the feet 
-j j^ remain immoveable. The arms 
stretched forward in a hori- 
zontal position then describe 
a semi-circle to the right and 
then to the left. The accent 
mu^t be laid equally upon the 
movement to the right and 
that to the left. One should im- 
aoine one's self mowing right 
and left, in which motion a 
certahi force is exerted in the act of swinging. In con- 
sequence of the directions gi\ en abo\ e, to keep the body 
motionless, some slight opposition is experienced in swing- 
ing the arms alternately to each side, which causes a lively 
activity not only of the muscles of the shoulders and the 
allotment muscles of the arms, but also a sort of see-saw 
stretching of the whole of the muscles of the trunk, leg 
and foot. The movement has therefore an invigorating 
influence upon the hmb-moving muscles of the whole body, 
and is of great service in cases of a general muscular 
weakness, and of parah/sation of the spinal marrow, in 




— 65 — 

that period of the con,,,Iaint wl.eu a certain b)unt„e«s of 
Reeling, an.l an extraordinary nn^teacline.s npon the feet 
are the first .sy.npto.ns which atfact tlie earnest attention 
ot tJie patient. 

40) Chopping movement — 6, 12, 20 times. 
The legs are stretched out side- 
ways, not too far; the hands are 
then raised above the head, and 
then brought swingingly down to- 
gethei-, as if witli the intention of 
chopping in two some cei'tain block 
of wood lying between the feet. 
The legs must be flexible in the 
knee joint, so that the mox enient 
may be fi-eer. The allotment nuis- 
tles of the arm, the whole of the 
fore and the hinder muscles of 
the trunk , as well as most all of 
tlie leg and foot muscles are brouoht 

u^o ph^- by this movement, ^hich thus takes the char- 
ed of somewhat g 
>tue of :ts pecuhar ,ua]itK.s it is useful in a twofold 

. anner: as a means of,...,..., tke freer action of tke 

^tn^^>on of the same, and as a stimulant for the nerves 

<«hanced state paral^sat^on. But as one or the other 
- to e attained, so must the employn.ent of he 

of he action of the organs of the abdomen - the prin- 
-Pal stress must be laid upon the movement at'2 

5 




66 

moment the arms and the upper part oi the body are 
brought down^Yards ; m the second case as the body re- 
gams its upright position, turning on the Ihp joints. 

In cases of a disposition to a flow of blood to the 
head or breast, as also (for many reasons) for females, 
this exercise is to be avoided. 

41) Trotting movement on one spot — 100, 200, 

300 times icith each foot. 

This is the common motion of trotting, 
except that here the performer does not 
advance, but remains ahvays on the same 
spot, for which reason the body maintains 
its upright position, instead of being bent 
as in running forward: and here also the 
movement is performed on the points of 
the toes. This latter condition must be ob- 
served, because by coming down on the 
whole sole of the foot the shaking of the 
body so caused would be communicated to 
the head in many ways disagreeably and 
prejudicially. The joints of the knee and 
ankle must be quite free and elastic, for only by this 
means can be promoted that soft and wholesome shaking 
of the body which, after the setting in motion of the leg 
and foot muscles, is the aim of the movement. The de- 
gree of intensity of the movement can be regulated at 
will, by raising the foot to any desired height. 

Where it is desirable to bring about a softly fatiyuing, 
sleep-causing feeling, and to promote the circulation 
of the blood in the abdomen, the relieving of the bowels, 
and the ca^rrying off of humours, &;c., from the head and 




— 67 — 

chest, tliis movement is very applicable; as also in cases 
of parahjsiftion of fl/e )/ius('/<\s of the foot, and where a 
disposition to hariinj cold feet exists. By means of its 
shaking motion — which draws the blood towards the 
lower parts of the body, and v/hich is for the greatest 
part concentrated on the abdomen — this movement is 
especially adopted to the hrtiujnuj (ujaui into order heiiior- 
rhoidal j/(wes and the inontidjj courses of females which 
may have got out of order by obstrnction. But at the 
same time attention must be paid to the remarks to be 
found in the special rules hereafter given. 



42) Swinging the Leg forwards 

and backwards 

43) Swinging tlie Leg sidewards 



8, 16, 24 times 
to and fro with 

eeich leg. 




The operator hfts one foot, the toes pointed upwards, 
about two inches from the ground, and throws it with 
an energetic swinging movement straight forwards and 

5^ 



68 



then backwards — to the right and then to the left. At 
first, till he has learned to keep his balance, this will re- 
quire the aid of a table or chair to lean upon. But he 
should endeavour to do without this aid as soon as pos- 
sible, because otherwise a great part oi' the effect of the 
compound working is lost. This very endeavoiu- to keep 
one's balance and the upright position of the body calls 
into action many of the muscles, and is one of the aims 
of the movement. 

Both movements require the working of the muscular 
parts all round and from all sides of the hips, but have 
also an effect upon all the muscles of the back up to the 
nape of the neck, and upon the whole muscular systems 
of the legs and feet; for the leg, apparently so immove- 
able, has enough to do maintain the equilibrium of the 
body, menaced from so many sides. The two movements 
are recommended against chronic cuid fever-free rheumatic- 
gouty affections of the joints of the hips, agaiust par alys- 
ation of the foot muscles, and as forming a part of the 
required amount of imiversal (allsided) exercise. 

44) Stepping over a stick — 4, 6, 8 times with each leg, 
forwards and backwards. 

You take hold of any straight stick ^^'ith the tips of 
the fingers of both hands, leaving a distance between the 
hands of full the width of the body. With the body bent 
forwards you try to step over the stick without letting go 
of it; and so that at the moment the leg passes over its 
lower part remains quite perpendicular, i. e., forms a right 
angle to the stick. When both the legs have had their 
turn forwards, do the same backwards. This movement is 



69 - 



certainly somewhat difficult, and even not possible for 
some persons at first, but only after long practice; while 
for others it is quite impossible. 




Without speaking of the unimportant secondary motion 
connected with this exercise, it concentrates its principal 
influence upon the allotment muscles of the leg situated 
in the lower part of the abdomen, which are here drawn 
together in the greatest degree possible. This acts as a 
powerful stimulant on the lower ?part of the intestinal 
canal, viz., the strait-gut (rectum) and the hemorrhoidal 
vessels. For this reason this movement may be well in- 
cluded, by way of trial, in the list of daily gymnastic 
exercises, against obstinate constipation, and against what 
are called blind hemorrhoids (or blind piles), but only 
then when no inflammation or irritation exists. 

In cases of a disposition to a How of blood to the 
head, where hernia exists, and by females, this move- 
ment is to be avoided. 



45) Turning of the Body — 



30, 40, 50 limes to cmd fro. 



45 




With something soft to he upon (which needs be 
only as long as down to the knee), and a pillow for the 
head, you lie down on your back, with the arms folded 
across the breast, the legs half-bent at the knee, and the 
feet resting on the ground. The whole body then makes 
a simple turning motion which brings it on to the arm, 
shoulder, and the side of the hij) joints — then back 
again, and then the same to the other side. The move- 
ment must be a complete change from a back to a side 
position, so that it forms a semi-circle. 

The aim of the motion is not so much exercise of 
the muscles — for here there is no particular use of 
them, and the amount is unimportant, which is the reason 
that this movement has nothing straining or fatiguing — 
as a rocking, alternating change of position of the more 
easily moved inner organs, especially the abdominal in- 
testines. Such a change of position may, however, be, in 
a simple, manner a means of causing many a cure, or at 
least of aiding in doing so, as every physician knows: so, 
for instance, for a more regular distribution of blood in 
all such cases where the over-stocking and obstruction of 
the circulation of tJie blood in the organs of the lower 
part of the abdoiiien requires remedy, as in cases of 



71 



hemorrhoidal tiintours (not yet inflamed, but already per- 
haps in an advanced state), of contraction of the urinary 
J)Uidder, which stands in connexion with the above: or 
overstocking of blood in the ahdoinen before the monthlij 
courses of females, giving cause to fear a too great bleed- 
ing, c^T. &fc. It is further of use against a swelling of the 
intestinal^ or the present of wind in it (wind-colic); and 
for the reduction of strangled hernia^ <^'c. ^'c. 

As this movement does not aim at radical cures, but 
only at an alleviation, it is not intended that it should 
be placed on the list of every-day exercises, but only 
used according as the want of it is felt. 



V. Prescriptions for Special Cases. 



In order to ensure and facilitate a judicious applica- 
tion of the rules for the practice of gymnastic exercises 
in particular cases , as far as is possible and expedient, 
we shall , in this section, gixe a list of prescriptions for 
the principal cases in which they are to be used, and 
those oftenest occurring, ^^dlic]l belong to the department 
of practical in-door gymnastics. These may in general 
serve as a common model and base for all further 
cases. And yet it must be reujembered in regard to 
the prescriptions here mentioned , tliat they are only 
for supposed cases, and that if they are to be put 
into practice, individual circumstances must always be 
well taken into consideration. And also let it never be 
forgotten that the exercises intended for the attainment 
of some particular cure are not to be understood as if 
one could, by their help alone, in all cases attain and 
settle all; but that they are to be considered only as an 
essential part of the general means of cure — as the most 
conformable ways and means, under all circumstances, 
by which the sanitary effect of exercise for practical 
ends can be gained and tiu'ued to account. 



78 



By the placing together of particular movements in 
these rules, their order is so arranged as is best suited 
for the changing of the operative muscles, that is to say, 
so that one set of muscles shall not be brought into play 
so many times running as to cause an undue excitement 
of the same. It is therefore advisable when particular 
cures are desired, not to confine one s self exclusively to 
those movements calculated to bring them about, but to 
go through now and then other inovements also, less 
essential, and in this case acting only in an indirectly 
curative manner, but which also help to complete the deter- 
mined amount of universal action"). The following particu- 
larised rules may, therefore, in this respect be considered 
as a common model for further groupings of the same sort. 

■") These completing movements are so much the more to be re- 
commended, because generally where certain cures are aimed at, much 
depends upon the vigorous action of the whole functions of life^ which 
is brought about by universal muscular activity^ and although in these 
cases it is principally intended to act upon 'a particular part, yet this 
particular movement acquires greater intensity, and approaches nearer 
to a state of completeness in proportion as the universal action is more 
or less intense or complete; the same as in a machine composed of a 
number of wheels, each single wheel turns faster in proportion as the 
motion of the whole machine is accelerated. That this rule holds good 
for the human system is taught by the laws of physiology. We cannot 
therefore approve of that principle of the Swedish gymnastic system by 
which it is endeavoured to concentrate the essential motions as ex- 
clusively as possible upon one point, a proceeding which is put forward 
as one of the advantages of that system. It is a false economy. The 
amount of bodily activity which of itself, and up to a certain point, 
may be increased, is not, even taking a low standard, so scantily 
measured out as we should be obliged to admit, if we were to take 
it for granted that the principle is correct. A muscle working in com- 
mon with other muscles, particularly with those with which it has an 
affinity , develops a much greater amount of activity , and can maintain 
hat activity longer and more easily than if it operated alone. 



In order to lacilitate the appiicatioii of these prescrip- 
tions, we have thought it advisable to add to each single 
movement the figures indicating the ninnber of times it 
should be repeated. At the same time it will be thereby 
seen where for this or that particular cure a change in 
the oiven creneral rule is here or there necessary. After 
some of these movenients will be seen a B, which is 
used to indicate where, between this exercise and the 
next, we recommend the deep breathing mentioned page 27, 
No. 7. This breathing is to be repeated six or eight 
times. 

With respect to those prescriptions aiming at exclu- 
sively special and local cures, where the essential motion 
is found more than once on the list — e. g. in prescriptions 
Nos. 4, 5, and 6 — it is advisable to confine one's self at 
first to performing it only once, till the body, and particu- 
larly the operative nmscles ha^ e by use become familiar 
with it, and there is no longer any fear of their undue 
exitement. * 



1) Prescription for tlie relief of iiiidiae affliieiiee of blood 
to tlie Head and Breast. 

Twisting of the Arms, No. 16. (30, 40, 50.) 
Eight-morenient of the Hand, No. 17. (20, 30, 40.) 
Bending and Stretching of the Fingers^ No. 18. (12, 
16, 20.) B. 

Cii'cidar movement of ' the Leg, No. 25. (4, 6, 8.) 
Raising of the Leg sidewards, No. 26. (6, 10, 16.) 

Not to by practised by females. 
Tivisting of the Legs, No. 27. (40, 50, 60.) 



75 

Ruhhing together of the Hands, No. 19. (40, 60, 80.) 

In the modified form (/;. 45.) 
Drawing together of the Legs, No. 28. (6, 12, 16.) B. 
Bending and Stretching of the Knee forwards, No. 29. 

(6, 8, 10.) 

Bending and Stretching of the Knee backwards^ No. 30. 
(10, 12, 16.) 

Bending and Stretching of 'the Foot, No. 31. (30, 
50, 60.) 

Sinking of the Trunk, No. 33. (8, 16, 24.) B. 
Sivinging the Leg forwards and hackicards , No. 42. 

(8, 16, 24.)^ ' 
Swinging the Leg sideivards. No. 43. (8, 16, 24.) 
Trotting movement, No. 41. (100, 300, 500.) B. 
Sinking of the Trunk, No. 33. (8, 16, 24.) 

If after the performance of the above, their power- 
ful relievino; effect, recognised by the warmth of the feet, 
&c. &c., is in any particular case not considered sufficient, 
the simplest way is to resort- to the plan of beating the 
feet. For this purpose you take a short stick or piece 
of wood, and strike the soles of the shoes alternately 
till the feet begin to tingle. This is the best and an infal- 
lible remedy for obstinate coldness of the feet. 



76 — 



2) Prescription for promotiiig^ full and regular breathing, 
and as a remedy against narrowness of tlie Chest j incipient 
consumption, asthma, &c. 

Baising of the Shoulders, No. 3. (30, 40, 50.) 
Circular viovemenf of the Arm, No. 4. (8, 12, 30.) 
Raising of the Arm sidewards, No. 5. (10, 24, 40.) B. 
Drawing hack the Elboios. No. 6. (8, 12, 16.) 
Stretc/iiag the Anns dowiurard heldnd, No. 7. (8, 12, 
.16.) B. 

Striking out the Ar)ns sidewards. No. 10. (10,20.30.) 
Striking out the Arms upwards, No. 11, (4, 8, 12.) B. 
Bendi7ig of the Trunk sideivards. No. 21. (10, 16, 24.) 
Swinging the Arms apart , No. 15. (12, 16, 24.) B. 
Circular movement of the Trunk, No. 23. (6, 10, 16.) 
Circular movement with a stick, No. ^4. (8, 20, 30.) B. 

In such ca>>es wliere an iiiequality exists between the 
breathing organs of the two sides of the chest, instead 
of the common equal breathing being practised always 
there where a B is printed, the operator should sometimes 
make use of the unequal breathing movement, No. 8, 
page 39. 

For that form of asthma which proceeds from relax- 
ation and enlargement (emphysema) of the cellules of the 
lungs (which may be easily recognised by a medico-phy- 
sical examination), when the breathing movement is being 
performed, the stress must be laid upon it at the moment 
of exhaling. On this account all those different operations 
by which a powerful exhaling is promoted, as by loud 
speaking, reciting, laughing, and singing (especially the 
portamento, or gradual crescendo), are highly recommended. 



77 



3) Prescription against singgisl&ness and obstruction of the 
functions of the Abdomen in general, and against the numer- 
ous complains therefrom arising; such as obstruction of the 
port-vein system, a weak digestion; habitual constipation, 
with its consequences — head-ache, hemorrhoidal disorders, 
abdominal hypochondria, hysteria, and melancholy, &c. &c. 

Movement of the Triuik forirard cuid hackirarfL Xo. 20. 
(10, 20, 30.) 

Sideivard movoaent of the Trunk. Xo, 21. (20,30,40.) 
Circular moveincut irith a sfir/,\ ]So. 34. ^4, 12, 16.) B. 
Turuiii;/ of the Trunk, Xo. 22. (S. K^, 24.) 
BeudiiKj and Stretchiuij of tlie K)iee foncards, Xo. 29. 
(;4, 6, 8.) 

Circular uiorouent of the Trunk. Xo. 23. (8, 16, 20.) B. 
Hau:ing uwveuteut, Xo. 38. (10, 20, 30). 
Baising of the Trunk, Xo. 24. (4. 8, 12.) 
Raising the Leg sidewards , Xo. 26. (6, 40, 16). 

Xot for feinales. 
Chopping movement. Xo. 40. (6, 8, 12.) B. 

X"ot for females. 
Throwing the Arms backwards and forwards, Xo. 36. 

(20, 40, 60.) 
""Baising the Knee, Xo. 32. (4, 10, 16.) 
- Swingi}ig the Arms sidewards, Xo. 37. (30, 60, 

100.) B. 



The exercises with an asterisk are to be repeated only half the 
number of times, or even less, in cases Avhere this prescription is put 
into practice while employing any exciting or heating medicinal-water 
method of cure. 



78 - — 

Stepinncj oveo^ a stick, No. 44. (4, 6, 8.) 
Not for females. 

Troitiiu) movement, No. 41. (100, 150, 200.) B, 

An effective aid for stimulating the functions of the 
abdomen is a Jineading of the same. This should be per- 
formed in a position in which the muscles of the abdomen 
are as little stretched as possible — while lying easily on 
the back, for instance; and the best time would be in the 
morning a little while before rising. You place the thumbs 
far back close under the ribs, and the remaining fingers 
are spread out over the soft surface of the fore part of 
the stomach. You then begin a vigorous kneading process 
with each hand alternately: this should be continued for 
some minutes. A still more powerful stimulant is that pro- 
duced by forcihly pressing both hands upon the surface 
of the abdomen and then suddenly removing them, thereby 
causing a rebounding of the elastic coats of the stomach 
and the intestines within. For those pains in the stomach, 
where no inflammation exists , such as spasms, vapour 
colic, &c., a simple rubbing of the stomach with, the open 
hand affords great alleviation. 

Also the position in bed demands some consideration 
for those who suffer from chronic diseases of the abdomen. 
Lying on the back, which on account of the greater free- 
dom afforded to the respiratory organs, is the most healthy 
position, is also the best for other reasons; viz., be- 
cause in this situation the abdominal organs suffer the 
least injury from pressin*e, and because the body does 
not so readily fall into that doubled-up position as when 
lying on the side. In cases where abdominal organs situ- 
ated at the side, such, as the liver or milt, suffer from a 
predominant chronic complaint, in the first case the lying 



79 — 



on the rujJit side is to be particularly avoided, and in 
the secoFid the lying on the left. Persons who suffer from 
abdominal complaints should always avoid crossing the 
feet wlien long sitting. 



4) Special prescription for olitaiiiiisg relief in the Bowels. 

Swinging the Arms forirdrds and backwards , No. 36. 
(20, 40, 60.) 

Siuinging the Arms sideways, No. 37. (20, 40, 60.) B. 

Raising the Trunks No. 24. (4, 8, 12.) 

Sawing movement, ^^o. 38. (10, 20, 30.) 

Circular mocement of the Trunk, No. 23. (8, 12, 16.) 

Chopping movement. No. 40. (6, 8, 12.) 

Not for females. 
Raising the Knee, No. 32. (6, .12, 20.) 
Swinging the Arms forwards and backwards. No. 36. 

(30, 60, 100.) 
Swiiiging the Arms sideways, No. 37. (30, 60, 100.) B. 
Trotting movement, No. 41. (100, 200, 300.) 
Circular movenient of the Trunk, No. 23. ("8, 16, 30,) 

In its modified form (2)age 48.) 

By a too hard and dry stool, the most innocent and 
quickest mea.ns, and the most generally to be recom- 
mended, is the prettg free use of the cluster witji lukewarm 
water. 



— 80 



5) PrescriptioM for remedying an obstructed state of the 
lieMorrlioidar ) fluxes and tlie iiioiitlsly courses 
of females. 

Moiriiuj viore^ne/it , No. 39. (G, 10, 6.) 
Sici/ujuu/ the Arms foricards and backwards. No. 36. 
(20, 30, 50.) 

Sfrikinfj out the Arms doiruwards. No. 12. (10, 20, 30.) 



") The expression hemorrhoids is taken, in ordinary life, in a too 
comprehensive and therefore too undefined sense. In the first place, 
that affection called hemorrhoids (i. e. the formation of tubercles, dry 
irritation or bleeding of the anus) must be divided into two principal 
parts, according to their causal connexion : 1. Primary hemorrhoids, ^vhich 
exist without any perceptible trace of any other complaint, and in which 
case, by a general over-filling of the blood vessels (often only a slight 
disturbance of the balance between the reception of bodily material and 
its consumption) or a laxity of the coating of the veins, the blood, in 
consequence of the upright position of the human body, settles in the 
hnver blood-vessels of the trunk; and this sort might therefore be simply 
called ■■^iril ing hemorrhoids. 2. Secondarij hemorrhoids , which are the 
reflex of anotlier complaint, the settling of the blood in the anus being- 
then caused by obstruction of the circulation, and interruption of the 
functions of other, often distant parts, such -as the liver, milt, heart, 
lungs, &c. In cases of primary liemorrhoids the difference is, as a 
general rule, adjusted by a coming away of blood from time to time, 
by which means the complaint at last disappears. Only where this is 
not the case — where this disrhart/iiiq of hlood in ]>ri}i}ary hemorrhoids, 
tchich has hecome a necessity for thr s'ystem , does not fal^e place, thus 
causing, by its rejhw injlueiice, other complaints — only for this case is 
the above prescription intended. For secondary hemorrhoids the atten- 
tion must naturally be directed to the removal of the cause, which 
may in one case be widely different from that in another case. 

For inflamed hemorrhoidal tubercles, or a disproportionate dis- 
charge of blood in the case of either a hemorrhoidal flux or the 
monthly courses of females — no kind of movement should be used 
as a remedy, but rather, on the contrary, repose becomes a necessity. 



— 81 

Here the shaking should be allowed to exert its influence, 
but only as far as the head can bear it. 
Trotting movement, No. 41. (100, 150, 200.) B. 
Sawing movement. No. 38. (10, 20, 30.) 
Raising the Knee, No. 32. (4, 8, 12.) 
Swinging the Arms sideways, No. 37. (20, 30, 50.) 
Stepjnng over a stick, No. 44. (4, 6, 8.) B. ' 

iSot for females. 
Sicinging the Legs sideiuards, No. 43. (8, 16, 24.) 
Raising the Knee, No. 32. (4, 8, 12.) 
Trotting movement, No. 41. (150, 200, 300.) 
Stepping over a stick. No. 44. (4, 6, 8.) 
Not for females. 



6) Prescription against iiiiliealthv, weakening, often- 
occnrring pollution. 

Circular movement of the Arm, No. 4. (8, 12, 20) 
Raising the Arms sideways, No. 5. (10, 20, 30.) 
Drawing the Elbows back, No. 6. (8, 12, 16.) 
Striking out the Arms forwards, No. 9. (10, 20,30.) 
Striking out the Arms sidewards, No. 10. (lo' 20,^30.*) 
Striking out the Arn>s upwards. No. 12. (4, 8, 12.) B. 
Chopping move)nent, No. 40. (6, 12, 20.) 

The stress to be laid on the upward movement. 
Sawing movement. No. 38. (No. 10, 20, 30.) 
Swinging the Arms together. No. 14. (8, 12,' 16.) 
Swinging the Arms apart, No. 15. (8, 12, 'l6.). 
Sinking the Trunk, No. 33. (8, 16, 24.) 
Mowing movement. No. 39. (8, 16, 24.) B. 
Rubbing the Hands together, No. 19. (40, 60, 80.) 

6 



Chopping movement. No. 40. (6, 12, 20.) 

Stress on the upward movement. 
Sivinging the Arms sideioards, No. 37. (30, 60, 100.) 
Salving move7nent, No. 38. (10, 20, 30.) B. 

In obstinate cases we should recommend, besides the 
above, a sitting hath before going to bed — one of a 
temperature of from 10^ to 12° Reaumur, and lasting six 
or eight minutes: or a retaining but therefore not abundant 
application of the clyster, of the same temperature; and 
instead of lying on the back, to adopt the haHt of alter- 
nating with the sides. 



7) Prescription for the radical cure of rupture of the coat 
of the Stouiach (abdoiuiiial hernia), and particularly inguinal 

hernia. 

Bending the Trunk backivards and forwards, No. 20. 
(10, 20, 30.) 

Striking out the Arms backwards, No. 13. (8, 12, 10.) 

Baising the Trunk, No. 24. (6, 10, 16.) 

Mowing movement, No. 39. (8, 12, 20.) 

Turning the Trunk, No. 22. (10, 20, 30.) 

Sioinging the Arms backwards and forwards. No. 36. 
(30, 60, 100.) 

Baising the Trnnk sideways. The situation is similar 
to that of No. 44., only that the trunk is turned 
sideways at an angle of forty-fi^'e degrees, and 
then raised 4, 6,8 tunes on each side). But 
this motion is not to be performed directly at 
first with the others, but only when the rais- 
ing of the body straight up (No. 44.) has be- 
come easy by practice. 



— 88 



The following must be strictly observed: 1. These 
exercises are in no case to be undertaken without the 
person's having first assured himself, after medical exami- 
nation, of the nature of the rupture. 2. During the per- 
i'ormance of the motions the rupture must be completely 
restrained by the truss; a rupture no longer to be com- 
pletely restrained forbids all application of the method. 
8. Redoubled attention must be paid to the movements 
being performed distinctly and easily, free from any jerk- 
ing, and according to the directions given. 4. The move- 
ments must be equal (double-sided), as represented m the 
illustrations, even in the case of a sim]3le rupture: for 
wherever a^ simple rupture exists there is almost always 
a second on the other side to be feared. On that account, 
to effect a cure demands an equal strengthening of both 
sides of the coat of the stomach. 5. The exercises must 
be persevered in for six or eight months. 6. After three 
months tlie progi-essively reached amount of motion must 
be repeated twice daily. 7. In cases of young people, or 
at least of those not in the decline of life, and where the 
evil is not too serious, there is every hope of a radical 
cure. 8. Is the end attained, to prevent a relapse the 
exercises should be repeated at least twice a week: this 
is, besides, good for the general health. 9. In cases of 
crural rupture (hernia femorahs) this method of cure is 
not applicable. 



8) Prescription against incipient paralysation of the Mnscles. 

As paralysation (or laniing) of the muscles becomes 
the object of the doctor's treatment under as many dif- 
ferent forms as the number of the various muscular systems 



84 

of the body, an essay on these especial relations will 
certainly not be expected here. That ]ies far beyond the 
limits and intentions of this work. A general rule for 
individualising the medico-gymnastic process in all occur- 
ring cases of that sort of complaint will be sufficient. 
Such a general rule we w^ill endeavour to gi\e in the 
next two prescriptions — the one intended as a remedy 
against an ecjually paralysed state of the arms, the other 
for the same case of the legs. In cases where any par- 
ticular muscle or group of muscles is in a disabled state 
the gymnastic prescription must be so modified that those 
movements which set these muscles in acti^'e motion, 
shall be repeated three or four times as often as if they 
formed simply a part of the requisite amount of general 
exercise — and this at the expense of the other (com- 
pleting) movements. In like manner, where one side is 
disabled, those movements practicable on one side should 
be much more intense on the disabled side , and propor- 
tionately less intense on the healthy one. When curative 
gymnastic exercises are intended as a remedy against this 
paralysed state of the limbs, they require, more then ever 
to be carried out u'itfi the greatest attention and the full 
and povjerful exercise of the will — upon that depends 
the greater or less invigorating effect upon the disabled 
nerves. In cases of such a state of paralysation that the 
will is already pow^erless, and therefore the Hmb is quite 
motionless, the performance of some of the movements 
indicated must take place passively, i. e. , by the aid of 
another person, to try and see if it be not possible after 
a while to bring about a passing over from a passive 
state to one of activity. 

The method of cure practised for paralysation of the 



muscles is essentialh^ aided by certain mechanical rnanipU' 
Jnfions. According as the affected muscle is more or 
less come-at-able, and more or less easily treated, these 
consist of a vigorous handUiig, kneading, drumming (with 
the edge of the hand), a hard stroking (with the stiffly 
stretched-out lingers), and a soft stroking (with the palm 
of the hand). The two last must be performed in the 
same direction as the flowing of the blood to the heart. 
It is a good plan to let these mechanical manipulations 
immediately precede the exercises, where their animating, 
invigorating effects render the desired aid in promoting 
the activity of the movements. They can also be gone 
through many times a day, but not to such a degree as 
to cause pain. 



a) Against incipient paralysation of the Arm. 

Raising the Shoulders, No. 3. (30. 40. 50.) 
Circular movement of the Arm, No. 4. (8, 12, 20.) 
Raising of the Arms sidewards, No. 5. (10. 20, 30.) B. 
Drawing the Elboics hack, No. G. (8, 12, 16.) 
Stretching the Arms downward behind. No. 7. (8, 12^16.) 
Sawing morement. No. 38. (10, 20, 30.) 
Striking out the Arms forwards. No. 9. (10, 20, 30.) 
Striking out the Arms sidewards. No. TO. (10, 20^ 
30.) B. 

Striking out the Arms upwards. No. 11. (4, 8, 12.) 
Striking out the Arms downwards. No. 12. (10, 20, 30.) 
Striking out the Arms backwards, No. 13. (6,10,16.) 
Twisting of the Arms, No. 18. (30, 40, 50.) 
Eight-movement of the Hand, No. 17. (20, 30, 40.) 



86 



Bending and Stretching of the Fingers, No. 18. (16, 
24, 40.) 

Rubbing the Hands together, No. 19. (50, 80, 100.) 

b) Against incipient paralysation of the Legs. 

Circidar movement of the Leg, No. 25. (4, 6, 8.) 
Raising of the Leg sidewards, No. 26. (6, 10, 16.) 

Not for females. 
Twisting of the Legs, No. 27. (20, 30, 40.) 
Drawing the Legs together. No. 28. (4, 6, 8.) B. 
^'Bending and Stretching of the Knee forwards, No. 29. 
(6, 8, 10.) 

^' Bejiding and Stretching of the Knee backwards. No. 30. 

(10, 12, 16.) 
Sinking the Trunk, No. 33. (8, 16, 24.) B. 
Raising the Trunk. No. 24. (4, 6, 8.) 
Mowing movement , No. 39. (10, 20, 30.) 
Chopping movement, No. 40. (8, 16, 24.) The stress 

on the upward movement. 
Trotting movement. No. 41. (100, 200, 300.) 
Sioinging the Leg backwards and forwards, No. 24. 

(8, 'l6, 24.) 

^ Sivinging the Leg sidewards, No. 43. (8, 16, 24.) B. 

In case the performer find i\ny difticidty in preserv- 
ing his balance, the movements marked with an asterisk 
may be carried out in a lying j)osition, the legs being 
moderately raised. 

For the generality of those suffering from paralysation 
it would be advisable to undertake the above, or a simi- 
lar day's task, at least at first, only with rather longer 
intervals of repose; or it might also be distributed over 



87 

difiereiit parts of the clay: or it might even be allowed 
to arrange pauses between the repetitions of the same 
movement, in such cases great care must be taken to 
guard against that over-excitement of the nerves and 
muscles in operation which would be the consequence of 
impatient manner of proceeding. 



0) Prescription for the preservation of tlie Health in general. 

This prescription is for such cases where no local 
cure is aimed at, but a reo'eneration of the whole con- 
stitution of the body — a preventitive, health-preserving 
aim — where therefore a certain requisite amount of ge- 
neral mo^^ement is the end to be attained: and on this 
account this prescription is of service against: (jeneral 
weakness of the 'muscles and nerves, poorness of the blood 
(chlorosis), scrofidous diseases, a disposition to corjmlenci/, 
&c. &c. : as well as for jje /'sons /in general who enjoy but 
little active movements 

a) For a Male adult. 

Circular movement of the Arm . No. 4. (8, 12, 20.) 
Striking out the Arms forwards, No. 9. (10, 20, 30.) 
Striking out the Arms sideu-ards.^o. 10. (10,20,30.) 
Striking out the Arms upuuirds. Xo. 11. (4, 8, 12.) B. 
Circular moveiiwnt of the I'runk, No. 23. (8, 16, 30.) 
Rubbing the Hands together. Xo. 19. (40, (K), 80.) 
Raising the Trunk. Xo. 24. (4, 8, 12.) 
Raising the Leg sidru-ards. X"o. 26. (6, 10, 16.) B. 



88 



Drawing the Legs together, No. 28. (4, 6, 8.) 
Bending and Stretching of the Foot, No. 31. (20, 
30, 40.) 

Sawing movement, No, 38. (10, 20, 30.) 
Raising the Knee, No. 32. (4, 8, 12.) B. 
Swinging the Arms backwards and forwards, No. 36. 

(30, 60, 100.) 
Sinking the Trunk, No. 33. (8, 16, 24.) 
Swinging the Arms sideways, No. 37. (30, 60, 100.) B, 
Chopping movement. No. 40. (6, 12, 20.) 
Trotting movement, No. 41. (100, 200, 300.) 
Mowing movement. No. 39. (8, 16, 24.) B. 
Siuinging the Legs backwards and forwards, No. 42. 

(8, 16, 24.)' 

Sivinging the Legs sidewards , No. 43. (8, 16^ 24.) 

b) For an adult Female, 

Circular movernent of the Aimi, No. 4. (4, 6, 10.) 
Raising the Arm sidewards, No. 5. (5, 10, 15.) 
Stretching the Arms doionward behind, No. 7. (4, 6, 8.) 
* Bending the Trunk backwards and forwards. No. 20. 
(5^ 10, 15.) 

Strihmg out the Arms forwards, No. 9. (5, 10, 15.) 
Striking out the Arms sidewards. No. 10. (5, 10, 
15.) B. 

Bending the Trunk sidewards, No. 21. (10, 15, 20.) 
Swinging the A7'ms backwards and forwards. No. 36. 
15, 30, 50.) 

Bending and Stretching of the Knee forwards. No. 24. 
(3, 4, 5.) 



89 



^ Bending and Stretching of the Knee backivards, No. 30. 
(5, 6, 8.) 

Turning of the Trunk, No. 22. (5, 10, 15.) 
'^Sawing ynovement. No. 38. (5, 10, 15.) 
^Drawing the Legs together, No. 28. (2, 3, 4.) 

Sivinging the Arms sidewards, No. 37. (15, 30, 50.) 

Bending and Stretching of the Foot, No. 31. (10, 
15, 20.) B. 
^ Moicing movement, No. 39. (4, 8, 12.)' 
^Sinking the Trunk, No. 33. (4, 8, 12.) 

The movements with an asterisk are to be left out 
on the days of the monthly courses. 

c) For persons of both sexes who are over sixty*). 

Circular movement of the /b-m, No. 4. (4, 6, 10.) 
Circular movement of the Leg, No. 25. (2, 3, 4.) 
Swinging the Ar7ns together, No. 14. (4, 6, 8.) 
Swinging the Arms apart ^ No. 15. (4, 6, 8.) B. 
Bending the Trunk backwards and forwards. No. 20. 
(5, 10, 15.) 

Rubbing the Hands together, No. 19. (20, 30, 40.) 
Tioisting the Legs, No. 27. (10, 15, 20.) B. 
Striking out the Arms sidewards. No. 10. (5, 10, 15.) 
Striking out the Arms doivrmards , No. 12. (5, 
10, 15.) 

Striking out the Arms backwards. No. 13. (3, 5, 
8.) B- 

Sinking the Trunk, No. 33. (4, 8, 16.) 



*) Also age requires all-sided movement. He alone preserves his 
powers of motion — the principal agent in the whole process of life — 
who duly and rationally exercises them. 



Slinnging of the Arins forivards and hackivards, No. 36. 
(15, 30, 50.) 

Bending of the IVunk sidewards, No. 21. (10, 15, 
20.) B. 

Sawing movement ^ No. 38. (5, 10. 15). 

Swinging of the Arms sidewards, No. 37. (15, 30, 50.) 

Trotting movement, No. 41. (50, 100, 150.) B. 



10) Prescription for tlie development of the bodily powers 
of Children of both sexes. 

From the age of liA e or six children may, in general, 
be considered as old enonoh to beoin a regular course 
of these exercises. And particidarly for educational in- 
stitutions'"'), play-schools, &c. , it would be a good plan 



We take this opportunity of pressing upon the consideration of 
directors of schools and institutions the following well-meant remarks. 
From the very necessary attention to tlie comportment, development, 
and health of the body which is now called for in the schools of the 
present day, arises the following rule: that no child should be kept in 
a sitting posture and mentally employed more than two consecutive 
hours. The general way of passing the ten minutes' or quarter of an 
hours' pause between each lesson (a custom in German schools) does 
not answer the end here airrted at as regards its effect on the health. 
We mean , that it would be best in accordance with the arrangement 
and aim of schools, if, after two hours' mental occupation, the quarter 
of an hour's paus(^ were to be filled up with a regular and definite 
course of such movements, chosen in turn from the list of those re- 
commended for children, and w^hich might be performed either in or 
out of doors, whichever suited best. Either of the teachers, v^'ithout 
being an accomplished gymnastic master, would be able to undertake 
the direction of the simple exercises. Only after such a thorough dis- 
traction can the children be unhesitathigly allowed to recommence their 
studies, then more profitable for them. 



91 



to include some siicb course of gymDustic treutineiit in 
the nuuiber of regulai- eveiT'daA^ occupations. If such a 
system were extended over the whole of the younger 
yeai's of a child twice a week on an a\ erage would suf- 
fice for the perfoi-mance of such a series, and then a part 
of the same also on days when otherwise the due amount 
of exercise would not be obtained. 

In order that tlie children shoidd perform tljese exer- 
cises properly, some grown-np pei'son must be present at 
such times, and either him or hei'self go tlirough each 
movement, or at least gi\e the required directions and 
see them properly carried out. Besides this, chilch'en soon 
lose the necessary persev erance — the aifair soon becomes 
a sleepy one, or is performed in a very slovenly way.g^It is 
an important part of educational talent to be able to cap- 
tivate the attention of children, and keep it e\'er fresh and 
active, and to interest them for any tiling: and in this 
case, it is ouiy by their going through these motions with 
]'ight good will, and the full exercise of their powders, that 
the full sanitary effects are to be obtained. The teacher 
should also be very attentixe to see that tlie children, 
from the very first, acquire a habit of performing these 
movements in a perfectlij equal manner, i. e.. that they 
exercise both sides of the body with exactly the same 
intensity and as often one side as the other: and an ob- 
serving eye wdll soon see what is the average amount of 
exercise suitable for each child. In nearly all people one 
side is brought more into action tlian the other: and in 
gymnastic or other exercise^ the weaker side is often spared, 
without the performer's thinking of it. This is a con- 
sequence of a w^ant of proper bodily deveh)pment. and in 
the case of children this is of great consequence, because 



— ^ 92 — 



in the period of their growth now before them it may 
easily and imperceptibly lay the ground or be the first 
cause of some defect or deformity which afterwards be- 
comes more and more developed. The only exceptions 
to this rule are those cases in which an inequality of the 
movements are necessitated by an already existing de- 
fective conformation. But then gymnastic exercises are 
only to be undertaken according to medical advice, and 
specially adapted to the individual. 

The movements with an asterisk are to be omitted 
by girls. 

Circular movement of the Head, No. 1. (5, 10, 15.) 
fuming of the Head, No. 2. (3, 4, 5.) 

Circvlar movement of the Arm, No. 4. (4, 6, 10.) 

Raising of the Arms sideways, No. 5. (5, 10, 15.) 

Draunng the Elboivs back, No. 6. (4, 6, 8.) 

Stretching the Arms downward hehind. No. 7. (4, 6, 8.) B, 

Striking out the Anns forwards, No. 9. (5, 10, 15.) 

Striking out the Arias sidewards. No. 10. (5, 10, 15.) 

Striking oat the Arms upwards, No. 11. (2, 4, 6.) 

Striking out the Arms downwards, No. 12. (5, 10, 15.) 

Striking out the Arms backwards. No. 13. (3, 5, 8.) B. 

Circidar movement of the Leg. No. 25. (2, 3-, 4.) 
^Raising of the Leg sideways, No. 26. (3, 5, 8.) 

Swinging the Arms together. No. 14. (4, 6, 8.) 

Sivinging the Arms apart. No. 15. (4, 6, 8.) B. 

Bending the Trunk backwards and forwards. No. 20. 
(5, 10, 15.) 

Bending the Trunk sideways, No. 21. (10, 15, 20.) 
Twisting of the A^-ms, No. 16. (15, 20, 25.) 
Eight-movement of the Hands, No. 17. (10, 15, 20.) 



Bending and Stretchmcj of the Fbigers. No. 18. (6, 8, 10.) 
Tivisting of the Leg, No. 27. (10, 15, 20.) 
Draiuing the Legs together, No. 28. (2, 3, 4.) B. 
Turning of the Trunk, No. 22. (5, 10, 15.) 
Bending and Stretching of the Knee forivards, No. 29. 
(3, 4, 5.) 

Bending and Stretching of the Knee backivards, No. 30. 
(5^ 6, 8.) 

Bending and Stretching of the Foot, No. 31. (10, 15, 20.) 
""Raising of the Knee, No. 32, (2, 4, 6.) B. 

Raising of the Trunk , No. 24. (2, 4, 6.) 

Moiving movement. No. 39. (4, 8, 13.) 
"''Chopping movement. No. 40. (3, 6, 10.) 

Sinking of the Trunk, No. 33. (4, 8, 12.)"^ 

Circular movement luith a stick, No. 34. (2, 6, 8.) 

Walking ivith a stick under the Arms, No. 35. Five, 
eight, and ten minutes long. 

As the body, during the whole period of its growth, 
does not possess the muscular power enjoyed by man in 
his maturity, it has therefore more need of an interval of 
repose after active motion: and it is therefore a good 
plan, and one rendering the movements themselves of 
greater beneficial effect, to allow children to repose by 
lying down on the back a quarter of an hour or so 
after the exertions made during the performance of these 
exercises. To promote the good carriage and growth of 
children, this is to be especially recommended where they 
are obliged to remain a long time in a sitting posture, as 
happens in nearly all schools. If, after one or more hours' 
such sitting, an interval of repose is allowed, the teacher 
can then more justly require an upright sitting posture 



— 94 — 



on the recommencement of class; if not, lie requires what 
is impossible. 



11) List of those inoveiiieiits practicable in a Sitting or a 
Lying position , from whicli iniirm and deformed persons 
can make a choice. 

Each single mo\ ement is followed by either the letter 
or the letter /, according as each is adapted to the 
sitting or lying position. 

Circular movement of the Head, No. 1. (10, 20, e30.) 5. 
Turning of the Head, No. 2. (6, 8, 10.) s. 
Baisifig the Shoulders, No. 3. (30, 40, 50.) s. 
Cirmdar movement of the Arms, No. 4. (8, 12, 20.) s. 
Raising the Arms sidewards. No. 5. (10, 20, 30.) s. 
Drawing back the Elhoivs^ No. 6. (8, 12, 16.) s. 
Deep breathing, page 27 and No. 8. s. 
Striking out the Arms forivards. No. 9. (10, 20, 30.) 
s. 4" /. 

Striking out the Ai^ms sidewards, No. 10. (10, 20, 
30.) s. I 

Striking out the Arms upwards. No. 11. (4, 8, 12.) s. 
Swinging the Arms together^ No. 14. (8, 12, 16.) s. Si' I. 
Swinging the Arms apart. No. 15, (8, 12, 16.) s. Sf I. 
Twisting the Arms, No. 16, [?>0, 40, 50.) s. I. 
Eight-movement loith the Hands, No. 17. (20, 30, 50.) 
5. Si' L 

Bending and Stretching of the Fingers, No. 18. (12, 

16, 20.) s. ^' /. 
Rubbing the Hands together, No. 19. (40, 60, 80.) s. ^ I 



95 

Bending the Trunk backwards and forwards, No, 20. 

(10, 20, 30.) 6'. 
Bending of the Trunk sideiuards, No. 21. (20, 80, 40.) s. 
Turning of the Trunk, No. 22. (10, 20, 30.) s. ^' /. 
Eaising of the Trunk, No. 24. (4, 8, 12.) I 
Twisting of the Leg, No. 27. (4, 6, 8.) s. t; with 

moderately i-aised leg. 
Drawing the Legs together, No. 28. (4, 6, 8.) s. ^' I; 

with highly raised leg. 
Bending and Stretching of the Linee forwards, No. 29. 

(6, 8, 10.) Ill a sitting posture, with the leg 

raised at right angles; lying, with the leg raised 

only a few inches. 
Bending and Stretching of the Foot, No. 31. (20. 

30, 40.) s. 4* /; with moderately raised leg. 
liaising of the Knee, No. 33. (4, 8, 12.) s. I. 
Circular inovement with a stick, No. 34. (4, 12, 16.).'^. 
Sawing movement , No. 38. (10, 20, 30.) s. 
Mowing inovement. No. 39. (8, 16, 24.) s. 
Swinging of the L^eg sidewai^ds, No. 43. (8, 16, 24,) 

/; with the leg raised only a little. 
Timiing of the Body, No. 45. (30, 40, 50.) /. 

In order rightly to judge ol' the effect of the perform- 
ance of these movements in a sitting or a lying posture, 
this fact must be taken into consideration, that the simul- 
taneous activity of the muscles of the back, or leg, or 
foot, which is produced when these exercises are per- 
formed standing, is in the former cases more or less 
wanting. 



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